STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS
THEMATIC DEBATE ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS
AT THE FIRST COMMITTEE
77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 14 OCTOBER 2022
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the NAM, and by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN, respectively.
2. Like the majority of Member States, Malaysia has consistently advocated for urgent action towards a world free of nuclear weapons. As trustees to present and future generations, the realisation of this ideal is a pressing imperative for us. In reality, it does not require Herculean efforts if all are fully and truly invested.
3. While the NPT remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, its continued effectiveness is by no means guaranteed. NPT States Parties are now in unchartered territory, following the consecutive failure of the Ninth and Tenth Review Conferences to adopt a substantive outcome. The Treaty is arguably in a state of crisis, which, if not remedied expeditiously, may result in the erosion of its integrity and credibility.
4. It is time for States Parties to reflect seriously on the future of this integral instrument. All NPT obligations and commitments, particularly those of the Nuclear-Weapon-States under Article VI of the Treaty, must be fulfilled without delay. Moreover, States under so-called ‘extended nuclear security guarantees’ cannot absolve themselves of the responsibility to eliminate the role of nuclear weapons in their military and security concepts, doctrines and policies.
Mr. Chairman,
5. Against a backdrop of heightened tension and renewed major-power rivalry, Malaysia is deeply concerned that the qualitative improvement of, and quantitative increase in, nuclear weapons continues unabated. Malaysia also condemns unequivocally any and all nuclear threats, whether they be explicit or implicit, and irrespective of the circumstances.
6. In spite of these disconcerting trends, there are glimmers of hope. The entry into force of the TPNW in 2021, and the successful convening of its First Meeting of States Parties in June this year, demonstrate increasing momentum towards freeing the world of the scourge of nuclear weapons. Malaysia is proud to serve, together with South Africa, as Co-Chair of the informal working group on universalisation of the TPNW.
7. The TPNW’s growing success should motivate us to revitalise other key instruments and platforms. In our region, Malaysia will work tirelessly, with ASEAN colleagues, to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty, pertaining to the signing and ratifying of its Protocol at the earliest, in line with the aspirations of ASEAN Leaders. The provision of legally binding negative security assurances by the Nuclear-Weapon-States is essential to ensure peace and security in Southeast Asia.
8. We further urge the remaining Annex 2 States to sign and ratify the CTBT to enable its entry into force as soon as possible.
Mr. Chairman,
9. Malaysia is gravely concerned over developments in the Korean Peninsula. We are troubled by recent escalation, through the DPRK’s launch of a ballistic missile over Japan last week, as well as the reported firing of a short-range ballistic missile by the DPRK yesterday. My delegation reiterates the importance of self-restraint by all concerned parties, and the need for resumption of dialogue to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
10. We also reaffirm the importance of the restoration and continued implementation of the JCPOA, through strengthened political will and diplomacy.
Mr. Chairman,
11. The scars of generations of victims and survivors of the use and testing of nuclear weapons bear tragic witness to the devastating humanitarian consequences which these weapons are inherently able to inflict.
12. It is inconceivable that humanity should live indefinitely in the dark shadow cast by such instruments of war and destruction, which constitute a present-day sword of Damocles in our world. Let us advance steadily, with renewed resolve, to herald the dawn of a nuclear-weapon-free age.
I thank you.