STATEMENT: THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS, 24 OCTOBER 2019

STATEMENT BY

REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO

THE UNITED NATIONS

Mr. Chairman,

Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the statement delivered by Cambodia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the statement delivered by Ireland on explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA).

Mr. Chairman,                            

2.     Whilst maintaining our efforts to eradicate all weapons of mass destruction, we should not lose sight of the devastating consequences caused by conventional weapons. Malaysia commends the UN Secretary-General for having placed particular emphasis on this subject in his Agenda for Disarmament. Malaysia joins members of the international community in calling for further action to mitigate the serious humanitarian impact which such weapons have, especially on the lives of civilians.

3.     As a Signatory State of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), Malaysia supports the Treaty in preventing, combatting and eradicating the illicit trade of conventional arms. Malaysia believes that ATT will strengthen the existing national policies on conventional weapons, while at the same time recognising the legitimate right of States to use arms judiciously for security, self-defence, research and trade.

4.     Malaysia has implemented domestic laws that include the Strategic Trade Act (STA) 2010, Customs Act 1967 and Arms Act 1960 to effectively govern the circulation of conventional weapons and to prevent arms from being diverted into the illicit market. Malaysia will work towards ratification of the Treaty. In ensuring Malaysia’s commitment to comply with provisions under the Treaty, Malaysia is working with ATT States Parties and international bodies to strengthen existing mechanism as well as exploring other initiatives in fulfilling Malaysia’s obligations under the Treaty.

Mr. Chairman,

5.     Malaysia remains concerned over the illicit transfer, manufacturing and circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread in many regions of the world. Malaysia strongly calls for the full, balanced and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UN PoA) to prevent the illicit spread of these weapons.

6.     Malaysia believes that more efforts need to be undertaken to address the issue of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA). We will be supporting efforts in this regard, including through formulation of a political declaration, as called upon by the Secretary-General.       

I thank you.