STATEMENT BY
MR. SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON
DISARMAMENT MACHINERY
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 25 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia associates itself with the statements by Indonesia on behalf of the NAM, and by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN.
2. As major-power competition intensifies and global tensions rise, the multilateral disarmament machinery must remain fit for purpose. The full and effective implementation of obligations and commitments under existing disarmament treaties is essential in upholding their credibility and integrity. The NPT is a case in point. Following two successive NPT Review Conferences without a substantive outcome, States Parties should redouble efforts to maintain the Treaty’s role as the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
3. The First Committee retains a key role as a platform for discourse among Member States, and consideration of solutions to prevailing challenges in the field of disarmament and international security. Malaysia is concerned by the widening of the “trust deficit” witnessed in the First Committee in recent years. This is reflected in the general tenor of debates, and in the consideration of draft resolutions and decisions, on which consensus is becoming increasingly difficult. In present circumstances, the role of diplomacy, dialogue and confidence-building cannot be overstated.
Mr. Chairman,
4. If the Conference on Disarmament (CD) is to live up to its position as the single multilateral negotiating forum of the international community, it must move past the institutional deadlock which has persisted for close to three decades. Agreement on a balanced and comprehensive programme of work cannot be deferred indefinitely, if the CD is to retain its relevance.
5. Malaysia recognises the importance of the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) as the sole specialised and deliberative body within the multilateral disarmament machinery. We welcome the consensus adoption of the UNDC’s recommendations on transparency and confidence-building measures relating to the prevention of an arms race in outer space in April 2023. Malaysia calls for constructive deliberations on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in the UNDC’s new cycle commencing in 2024, with a view to producing consensus substantive recommendations.
6. Further, my delegation reiterates its support for the efforts of the UN Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament, including in the Asia-Pacific.
7. The disarmament machinery must keep pace with developments across a range of areas, demonstrating resilience and responsiveness in the face of emerging challenges. Malaysia is committed to working with all Member States to this end.
Thank you.