STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE ARRIA FORMULA MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
"CYBER-ATTACKS AGAINST CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE"
NEW YORK, 26 AUGUST 2020
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Mr. President,
1. At the outset, I wish to thank Indonesia, Belgium, Estonia and Vietnam for convening this Arria-Formula meeting. The chosen topic of cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure is especially timely, given the looming cyber threats in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also wish to thank the briefers for their insightful presentations.
2. Our shared experience from the recent global pandemic suggests possible negative trends in the digital domain
3. There is no doubt of the growing exploitation of ICTs for malicious purposes in every sector and society, which increases in frequency, precision and sophistication. Indeed, existing vulnerabilities are amplified in times of crisis.
4. Attacks on critical infrastructure (CI) and critical information infrastructure (CII) constitute a threat not only to our security, but also to economic development and livelihoods, and eventually the safety and wellbeing of individuals.
5. Attacks on essential services to the public such as medical facilities, financial system, energy, water and sanitation infrastructures are deplorable.
6. As no State is shielded from these threats, it is pertinent that Member States develop cooperative measures, through multilateral platforms, to address such threats. Any such collaboration should involve the private sector, civil society and academia.
7. Malaysia remains of the view that the endeavour of norm-setting for cyber-security should continue to be the task of the two (2) parallel tracks established by the General Assembly, namely the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) as well as the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE).
8. While previous GGEs successfully produced consensus reports, the OEWG is particularly unique in its inclusive nature which allows all UN Member States to share views and perspectives on the matter. An inclusive process within the UN System is the best and most efficient way to establish arrangements that are equitable, comprehensive and effective in the cyber domain.
9. Moving forward, we hope that the established platforms of the First Committee, OEWG and GGE under the ambit of the UN General Assembly would continue to be utilised, through which Member States could constructively engage on various pertinent aspects that include norms-setting, principles, rules as well as legally-binding commitments in cyberspace.
10. There is a pressing need to identify and develop rules for responsible State behaviour to increase stability and security in the global ICT environment. Please be assured of Malaysia’s continued and constructive engagement in this regard.
I thank you.