STATEMENT (1C) : THEMATIC DEBATE ON CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

STATEMENT BY

H.E. MR. WAN AZNAINIZAM YUSRI WAN ABDUL RASHID

REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 79^TH SESSION OF THE

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK, 22 OCTOBER 2024

Madam Chair,

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and by the Philippines on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2. Concerted global efforts are required to free the world from the scourge of all weapons of mass destruction – whether nuclear, chemical or biological. The very existence, let alone use or threat of use, of these weapons, should never be countenanced.

3. Full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) remains imperative. The Convention mandates, inter alia, the elimination of all forms of chemical weapons, including declared stockpiles as well as old and abandoned weapons. In this regard, we recall the completion of the destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles - as confirmed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in July 2023.

4. Continued vigilance and action are necessary to uphold the credibility and integrity of the international norm against chemical weapons, which the CWC consolidates and codifies. Malaysia condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons by anyone, under any circumstances. We urge all concerned parties to cooperate with the OPCW, the sole organisation mandated to undertake investigations on the alleged use of chemical weapons. All incidents must be investigated impartially and comprehensively.

5. On our part, Malaysia maintains its full compliance with obligations under the Convention. This includes receiving on-site inspections by OPCW inspection teams, and active participation in capacity-building programmes. Such programmes, organised by the OPCW, are instrumental in improving the competency of the personnel involved in the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Convention.

6. Malaysia is therefore pleased to be collaborating with Sri Lanka on the OPCW Mentorship/Partnership Programme 2024, following our previous partnership with Australia in 2022. Additionally, in August 2024, Malaysia hosted the 12th OPCW Regional Advance Course on Emergency Response for First Responders in Asia, a programme which we have organised annually since 2013.

7. As regards the Biological Weapons Convention, Malaysia underlines the importance of effective verification measures to enhance implementation of its provisions. We welcome the ongoing efforts of States Parties through the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BWC.

8. Pursuant to Article X of the Convention, my delegation is ready to consider facilitating and participating in the exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the use of biological agents and toxins for peaceful purposes, to the fullest extent possible.

9. We are also pleased to share that Malaysia is presently co-hosting the Regional Kick-off Conference on Strengthening CBRN Medical Emergency Preparedness and Response in Southeast Asia, from 22 to 24 October 2024. Co-organised under the initiative of the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence, this Conference has brought together 80 CBRN experts from ASEAN Member States, together with regional and international partners.   

10. In closing, may I reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to the goal of the total elimination of all weapons of mass destruction through sustained multilateral cooperation.   

Thank you.