STATEMENT BY
MR. AZREEY ABU KASIM
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 24 OCTOBER 2025
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia associates itself with the statements made by NAM and ASEAN.
2.We reaffirm our commitment to the UN Programme of Action (UN PoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons and its International Tracing Instrument (ITI). Building on the adoption by consensus of the outcome document of the Fourth Review Conference, we should continue working towards a successful Ninth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS9) in 2026.
3.We look forward to, inter alia, discussions of the Open-Ended Technical Expert Group on both the challenges and opportunities arising from recent developments in the manufacturing, technology and design of small arms and light weapons (SALW). Malaysia underscores that enhanced international cooperation and assistance, including capacity building support, remain vital in combating the illicit trade and misuse of SALW.
4.With regard to the Global Framework for Through-Life Ammunition Management, my delegation welcomes the adoption by consensus of the recommendations of the Preparatory Meeting of States earlier this year, which lays a solid foundation for the Framework’s effective and practical implementation.
5.As a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and having participated in its Conference of States Parties annually over the past decade, Malaysia recognizes the critical role of this instrument in preventing and combating the diversion and illicit transfer of conventional weapons. This is without prejudice to the inherent right of States to acquire, possess, and use arms responsibly for security, self-defence, research and trade purposes.
6.We continue to identify and review elements of relevant national legislative provisions that could be further aligned with the ATT’s provisions, and will continue to participate actively in regional initiatives to prevent, disrupt and combat arms smuggling, including through strengthened ASEAN cooperation.
7.Malaysia also appreciates ongoing multilateral discussions on emerging technologies in the context of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). We welcome the informal consultations on LAWS convened in May 2025 pursuant to GA resolution 79/62. Although Malaysia has not acceded to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), we support its humanitarian objectives and continue to follow developments under its framework, particularly with regard to LAWS.
8.In his recent report, the UN Secretary-General highlighted that, “with more resources and political capital spent on armaments, fewer opportunities remain for cooperation.” This underlines the imperative of strengthening collective efforts to curb rising global military expenditures and mitigate the risks associated with the accumulation and proliferation of conventional weapons.
9.Malaysia reaffirms its readiness to work constructively with all States and relevant stakeholders to advance multilateral disarmament and arms control objectives.
Thank you.