STATEMENT BY
MR. SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
FIRST SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL DEBATE OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE
80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 13 OCTOBER 2025
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, the Malaysian delegation congratulates you and the members of the Bureau on your election, and assures you of our full support.
- Malaysia aligns itself with the statements made by NAM and ASEAN.
- Conflicts around the world are poignant reminders of the urgency of concrete action on disarmament and international security. In Gaza, there must be an end to the horrific death, destruction and humanitarian catastrophe suffered by the Palestinian people. Eighty years after the establishment of the United Nations, much more needs to be done to reaffirm the faith of the global community in the sanctity of its Charter and international law, and the founding aspiration of the UN “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.
- Malaysia remains deeply concerned over the unchecked expansion and qualitative enhancement of nuclear arsenals, as well as the persistence of nuclear-sharing arrangements and extended deterrence doctrines, which collectively undermine international peace and security. While possessed or relied upon by a select group, these weapons pose an existential threat to all States.
- Following two consecutive Review Conferences without a substantive outcome, it is vital that we uphold the credibility and integrity of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Renewed political will is required to ensure a successful NPT Review Conference in 2026, the universalisation of the Treaty, and the realisation of the “grand bargain” upon which it is predicated. This includes the full and equal implementation of the NPT’s three pillars, with particular emphasis on nuclear disarmament. The Nuclear-Weapon-States’ implementation of their disarmament obligations and commitments cannot be indefinitely deferred, and should be supported by increased transparency and accountability in the review process.
- Malaysia welcomes the steady advancement of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which reflects the moral, security and humanitarian imperative of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We will maintain an active role in the Treaty’s inter-sessional work, ahead of the first Review Conference next year. At the same time, other components of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture must be strengthened. Malaysia reiterates its call on the remaining Annex 2 States to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) without any delay or preconditions. We also call for the resumption of the implementation of the New START Treaty, and the negotiation of a successor agreement, by its parties. This is essential in preserving arms control gains and implementing Article VI of the NPT.
- Malaysia fully supports efforts to strengthen existing nuclear-weapon-free zones and to establish new zones, including in the Middle East. As ASEAN Chair, during the current session of the First Committee, Malaysia will coordinate the tabling of the biennial resolution on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, or the Bangkok Treaty. We remain committed to continuously engaging all Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS), including those with reservations, and to intensifying the efforts of all parties to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty.
- In addition, Malaysia will present our annual First Committee resolution on follow-up to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, which remains of contemporary relevance. The resolution reaffirms the obligation to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control.
- Malaysia reiterates its firm commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), including as a current member of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We will also continue to advance the objectives of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) by strengthening national implementation measures, in accordance with Article IV, and supporting the constructive discussions under the Working Group on Strengthening the Convention, particularly on effective verification.
Mr. Chair,
- It is important that multilateral discourse on security issues proceeds in an inclusive manner, avoiding fragmentation and duplication, and facilitating the effective participation of developing countries. In this regard, my delegation is pleased with progress made under the Open-Ended Working Group on the prevention of arms race in outer space in all its aspects pursuant to UNGA decision 79/512. Outer space must be protected in the common interest of all States, and used exclusively for peaceful purposes. We also welcome the adoption of the Final Report of the Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies (2021-2025), and look forward to the operationalisation of the new Global Mechanism.
- Further, my delegation recognises the need for sustained dialogue on, inter alia, lethal autonomous weapons systems, and the impact of artificial intelligence in the military domain, with effective human control and compliance with international law as key considerations.
- In his recent report, the UN Secretary-General noted the prevailing “cycle of escalating military investment that stifles human development and feeds systemic instability”. This underlines the indispensable role of the First Committee, and the UN disarmament machinery more broadly, especially in times of heightened major-power rivalry and geopolitical tension. Let us work together in navigating the challenges at hand, guided by the enduring value of multilateral cooperation, the principles of the UN Charter, and international law.
Thank you.
