STATEMENT BY
MS. HANA NORDIN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE GENERAL DEBATE ON
ITEM 48 – INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER
SPACE
24 - 27 OCTOBER 2023, NEW YORK
Madam Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Viet Nam on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
2. Malaysia recognizes the significance of outer space and the need to protect it in the common interest of all mankind. Malaysia strongly believes that outer space must be used, explored and utilised, exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Madam Chair,
3. In recent years, access to and operations in outer space have fundamentally changed, and it continues to change fast. And with change, there are, and there will be new risks and challenges. As there are an increasing number of objects launched into space, as well as increasing numbers of new, government and private players in space activities, there is a greater need for governance to ensure the safety, security and the sustainability of outer space.
4. In line with General Assembly resolution 77/121, Malaysia strongly supports any effort or initiative encouraged by the Committee to maintain peaceful uses of outer space. It includes the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of outer space activities as well as preventing an arms race or deployment of any type of weapon in outer space.
5. Malaysia believes that the establishment of a Code of Conduct through the formation and endorsement of best practices, policies and procedures could contribute to transparency and confidence-building measures and would be complementary to the existing international space law and UN processes.
6. Malaysia also believes in the need for greater transparency and better exchange of information among all actors in outer space activities. Nonetheless, due consideration should still be given for legitimate self-defence interests of States.
7. Malaysia remains committed in ratifying and acceding to international treaties governing the use of outer space that uphold the legal principles adopted by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 1962 (XVIII) of 1963. In this regard, Malaysia has endorsed its 2030 National Space Policy and gazetted the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 [Act 83] on 25 January 2022. This act will ensure that space activities in Malaysia are carried out responsibly, safely, securely and in compliance with international guidelines.
Madam Chair
8. Space and its technologies also bring tremendous opportunities for mankind. The adoption of the “Space2030” Agenda sets out a forward-looking strategy for reaffirming and strengthening the contribution of space activities and space tools for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
9. Malaysia continues to explore the use of space science and technology and their applications for economic, social and scientific development, including disaster management and emergency response, infrastructure planning, sustainable development and other applications to address a variety of needs. We look forward to regional and interregional cooperation towards implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Madam Chair,
10. In our efforts to strengthen the peaceful uses of outer space, Malaysia also continues to seek for opportunities to work and collaborate with the international community within the international legal framework, for the benefit of humankind as a whole. Malaysia has actively involved and participated in many international and regional space initiatives especially organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the ASEAN Subcommittee on Space Technology and Application (SCOSA), as well as Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF).
11. Malaysia recognizes significant progress made by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in promoting international cooperation on the peaceful use of outer space. Malaysia appreciates the good work undertaken by COPUOS and UNOOSA in narrowing the gaps in space technology across countries.
12. Malaysia stands ready to support efforts to strengthen the international framework for science, technology and outer space activities. We will promote the sustainable use of science, technology, and outer space for peaceful purposes, for the benefit of human welfare, development and research. We also look forward to working together with all States in accomplishing these goals.
I thank you.