STATEMENT BY
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 23 OCTOBER 2019
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the statement by the Lao People's Democratic Republic on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr. Chairman,
2. The existence of weapons of mass destruction - either nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons is one of the greatest
threats to the safety of the international community. Since its inception nearly 75 years ago, the United Nations has sought the global elimination of nuclear weapons and all categories weapons of mass destruction.
3. Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons by any party under any circumstances. The use of such weapons is morally loathsome and a flagrant breach of international law, especially the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The deployment of such weapons is an unforgivable crime against humanity. Those who are responsible for the heinous crime must be held accountable.
4. Malaysia fully supports the CWC as the only comprehensive multilateral treaty outlawing an entire class of WMD. Malaysia believes that the CWC plays a paramount role in preventing the threats from global terrorism. Malaysia encourages developed countries to promote international cooperation through the transfer of technology, material and equipment for peaceful purposes in this area and for the removal of all discriminatory restrictions that are contrary to the spirit of the CWC. Malaysia also appreciates the role of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW) to achieve the objective and purpose of the CWC.
Mr. Chairman,
5. As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC), Malaysia is committed to the adherence of the Convention. Malaysia fully supports the efforts and determinations of the international community in complying with the BWC provisions.
6. In particular, Malaysia undertakes to facilitate and will participate in the exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the use of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins for peaceful purposes as described under Article X of the Convention. Pursuant to Article IV of the Convention, Malaysia is also currently pursuing requisite domestic processes towards adopting a national Biological Weapons Bill, which would further strengthen and ensure effective implementation of the BWC.
Mr. Chairman,
7. In upholding the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), Malaysia reiterates its firm commitment in ensuring that Southeast Asia remains a nuclear weapon-free-zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction. Malaysia will make every effort to continue promoting peace and stability in this region in accordance with the international law and the principles of the UN Charter, in exercising the sovereignty of our region as well as securing our future of a world free of nuclear weapons.
I thank you.
