STATEMENT BY
MR. SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER DISARMAMENT MEASURES
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 24 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia associates itself with the statement by Indonesia, on behalf of the NAM, and the statement by Thailand, on behalf of ASEAN.
2. The unprecedented reliance of global society on information and communication technologies (ICTs) necessitates sustained attention to security considerations which transcend national borders. While increased use of ICTs has provided new opportunities to advance shared objectives, the risks and challenges posed by malicious use of ICTs must be effectively addressed.
3. In this connection, Malaysia commends the continued efforts of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Security of and in the Use of ICTs (2021-2025). We welcome the July 2023 adoption of the OEWG’s Second Annual Progress Report (2APR), which provides a solid basis for the Group’s work in the year ahead.
4. We are pleased that Member States have agreed on “Elements for the development and operationalization of a global, intergovernmental points of contact directory”.
5. Malaysia also looks forward to the OEWG’s additional focused discussions on, inter alia, ICT threats to critical infrastructure and critical information infrastructure; the mainstreaming of agreed ICT capacity-building principles; and the application of international law in the use of ICTs.
6. Malaysia remains committed to participating actively in the work of the OEWG, which has proven a valuable forum for discourse on ICT security issues among all Member States, with contributions from relevant stakeholders. The integrity, effectiveness and credibility of the OEWG must be upheld, even as we explore prospective formats of regular institutional dialogue for the post-2025 period.
7. It is reassuring to note that, as reflected in the OEWG’s 2APR, Member States have agreed, in principle, on common elements on which a future mechanism for regular institutional dialogue would be based. These elements include “a single-track, State-led, permanent mechanism under the auspices of the United Nations, reporting to the First Committee”. Member States have also “recognized the importance of the principle of consensus regarding both the establishment of the future mechanism itself as well as the decision-making processes of the mechanism.”
8. In this connection, Malaysia reiterates that parallel multilateral tracks should be avoided in key areas of disarmament and international security. This is a matter of particular concern to smaller delegations from developing countries, given constraints in terms of financial and human resources.
Mr. Chairman,
9. Against a backdrop of renewed major-power tensions and a prevailing trust deficit, the OEWG has delivered tangible results, incrementally and through consensus. This is testament to the good faith in which all delegations have engaged in the process. Notwithstanding divergent views on specific issues under its ambit, it is clear that the OEWG itself constitutes a vital confidence-building measure.
10. As we consider various proposals on the way forward, let us continue to work constructively to ensure the full realisation of the OEWG’s potential, in accordance with its mandate. It is my delegation’s fervent hope that the OEWG will remain, until the completion of its term, a single-track, open and inclusive platform, able to respond flexibly to Member States’ requirements in the rapidly evolving domain of ICT security.
Thank you.