STATEMENT BY
MR. SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 17 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and by Lao PDR on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), respectively.
2. The very existence of weapons of mass destruction - whether nuclear, chemical or biological - is an affront to the conscience of the global community. These weapons inherently pose unacceptable risks, imperilling peace and security for all.
3. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a significant multilateral disarmament instrument, prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling and use of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, in a comprehensive and verifiable manner.
4. My delegation welcomes the completion of the destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles, as confirmed in July 2023 by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Mr. Chairman,
5. Malaysia condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons by anyone, under any circumstances. The re-emergence of chemical weapon attacks is a matter of great concern. We must continue to uphold the credibility and integrity of the international norm against chemical weapons, as consolidated and codified in the CWC. Those responsible for contravening this norm must be held accountable.
6. We reaffirm that the OPCW is the sole organisation mandated to undertake investigations on chemical-weapon use. In this regard, Malaysia urges all concerned parties to cooperate with the OPCW to ensure thorough and impartial investigation of all incidents.
7. As we work to strengthen international cooperation and assistance in chemical safety and security, all discriminatory restrictions that are contrary to the spirit of the CWC should be removed. Transfer of chemical technology, material and equipment from developed to developing countries, for peaceful purposes, also remains important.
Mr. Chairman,
8. Ensuring the universality of the CWC, as well as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), is critical.
9. As regards the BWC, Malaysia underlines the importance of effective verification measures to enhance implementation of its provisions. We welcome the establishment of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BWC by the Ninth Review Conference of the Convention.
10. Pursuant to Article X of the Convention, my delegation stands ready to consider facilitating and participating in the exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the use of biological agents and toxins for peaceful purposes, to the fullest extent possible.
11. The total elimination of all weapons of mass destruction is a pressing security and ethical imperative, and a goal which Malaysia is firmly committed to advancing, together with all Member States and relevant stakeholders.
Thank you.