STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA
AT THE FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE
76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FOR COMBINED CLUSTERS 1-4
NEW YORK, 14 OCTOBER 2021
Mr. Chair,
1. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and ASEAN.
2. The existence of nuclear weapons today constitutes one of the greatest existential threats to humanity.
3. It is our collective responsibility to totally eliminate those weapons, which is one of the critical objectives of the UN.
4. The indefinite extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was never intended and can never be interpreted as granting any legality or validity to the existence or indefinite possession of nuclear weapons.
5. Malaysia hopes that all States Parties would utilise the upcoming 10th NPT Review Conference to reaffirm and implement obligations as well as past commitments, while progressing towards their implementation.
Mr. Chair,
6. Malaysia hails the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as the much needed momentum towards general and complete nuclear disarmament. Malaysia believes that the TPNW strengthens the global norms against nuclear weapons.
7. In this regard, Malaysia calls on all States to become Party to the TPNW as a manifestation of their commitment towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and, more importantly, for a safer and secure world.
8. Malaysia urges the Annex 2 States to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to allow for its entry into force as soon as possible.
9. It is unfortunate that we still observe sustained modernisation as well as new development of nuclear weapons, as provided for in the military doctrines of some Nuclear Weapon States.
10. In addition, a recent introduction of a new security partnership that includes strategic delivery systems with nuclear technology could trigger further an arms race.
Mr. Chair,
11. On the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ or the Bangkok Treaty), the international community has been following with anticipation to see whether ASEAN would be tabling its biennial substantive resolution to the First Committee this year or otherwise.
12. It was six (6) years ago in 2015, under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, that ASEAN last submitted to the First Committee its substantive resolution.
13. Unfortunately, no resolution was submitted to the First Committee in 2017 and 2019, rather only a procedural decision.
14. This year, Malaysia had hoped that ASEAN would demonstrate a renewed sense of ownership, commitment and resolve vis-à-vis SEANWFZ, through the submission of a substantive resolution reflecting the aspirations of the ASEAN Leaders on a matter of vital importance to our region.
15. It is regrettable that at this year’s First Committee, we have to once again resort to a procedural decision on the SEANWFZ Treaty. The indefinite extension of the status quo will not augur well for the future of
SEANWFZ, a core element of ASEAN’s regional security architecture.
16. We have heard time and again of how ASEAN Member States are committed to safeguarding Southeast Asia as a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction, while contributing to global efforts on disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, consistent with the ASEAN Charter and ASEAN PoliticalSecurity Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025.
17. However, a clear loophole lies in the fact that even though the SEANWFZ Treaty has been in force for over two (2) decades, its Protocol has yet to be signed or ratified by any of the Nuclear Weapon States.
18. It is clear that strong political will and concrete action are needed to achieve progress on the underlying substantive issues, enabling the realisation of a long-deterred goal for ASEAN.
19. We urgently need to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty, pertaining to the signing and ratifying of the Protocol to that Treaty at the earliest. This is in line with the aspirations of the ASEAN Leaders as enshrined in the APSC Blueprint 2025.
Mr. Chair,
20. Malaysia’s commitment to the global disarmament architecture and non-proliferation of all WMDs is absolute and unwavering.
21. Malaysia, therefore, underscores the need for total and complete disarmament of WMDs to preserve peace and security, while promoting sustainable development.
22. On outer space, Malaysia looks forward to working closely with all Member States in strengthening the international framework for science, technology and outer space activities as well as safeguarding the peaceful uses of space for future generations.
23. With regard to small arms and light weapons, Malaysia will continue to work closely with members of the international community and enhance cooperation towards an effective global solution.
I thank you.