STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA AT
THE SIXTH SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE
OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP ON SECURITY OF AND IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES 2021-2025
ON
HOW INTERNATIONAL LAW APPLIES TO THE USE OF
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES BY STATES
[FROM PARA 1, GA RESOLUTION 75/240]4
13 DECEMBER 2023
NEW YORK
Thank you Chair for giving me the floor.
1. Malaysia reiterates the importance of a rules-based cyberspace. We acknowledge the pivotal role of international law, including the UN Charter, in maintaining international peace and security, while fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.
2. My delegation reaffirms our commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including State sovereignty; the prohibition of the threat or use of force; respect for the territorial integrity and political independence of other States; and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. We support continued discussions on the application of these principles in the cyber domain, as suggested by many States.
3. Targeted capacity building is required to enhance Member States’ knowledge and expertise vis-à-vis the application of international law in cyberspace. . This will allow us to leverage on our cumulative experience and facilitate the active participation of the UN membership as a whole, with a view to reaching common understandings. This approach is critical in fostering meaningful cooperation and achieving shared objectives for an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful ICT environment. As noted by Brazil, the evolving global discourse in this field should feature diverse perspectives, including from States and experts of the Global South.
4. At the regional level, workshops and training programmes bringing together legal, diplomatic, security and cyber policy officials can help develop shared understandings of prevailing cyber security challenges, and the application of international law thereto.
5. Further, Malaysia welcomes the proposal for additional informal inter-sessional meetings of this OEWG to build up upon the progress made thus far, and to encourage further productive exchanges in the coming year. We hope these meetings can be held in a hybrid manner, to allow greater participation by capital-based delegates, particularly from developing countries.
Thank you, Mr Chair.