STATEMENT BY
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 22 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 delivered by Vietnam on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr. Chairman,
2. We reaffirm the indispensable role of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the global, multilateral nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. It is therefore imperative that States Parties renew their unequivocal commitment towards the Treaty.
3. 2020 is a landmark year, for it marks the 50th anniversary of the NPT’s entry into force. The upcoming NPT Review Conference serves as an ideal platform for States Parties to strive for success and agree on an outcome document which does not roll back on commitments agreed upon previously. As Chair of Main Committee 1 of the Review Conference next year, Malaysia will be objective and inclusive in discharging its duties, and we count on the support and cooperation of all NPT States Parties.
Mr. Chairman,
4. The adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017 signifies the collective political will of 122 Member States towards tangible approaches to attain a world free of nuclear weapons. Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering support towards the TPNW, and remains committed in facilitating its early entry into force. We remain convinced that the TPNW complements existing instruments, in particular the NPT. Hence, concerns that the TPNW would potentially contradict existing instruments, in our view, does not arise.
5. The expeditious entry into force of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is long overdue, and remains a fundamental step in the systematic progress towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. Malaysia calls upon all States, in particular the ‘Annex 2’ States, to sign and ratify the Treaty without further delay.
6. Malaysia is pleased to present before the First Committee its traditional resolution entitled “Follow-Up to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons”. We count on the continued support of partners to co-sponsor the draft resolution, and welcome other States to consider co-sponsoring our draft resolution.
Mr. Chairman,
7. Nuclear weapon free zones are an integral component to global disarmament and non‑proliferation efforts. As a Party to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, Malaysia underscores the urgent need to resolve outstanding matters pertaining to the signing and ratification of the SEANWFZ Protocol at the earliest, in line with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025. Sustained efforts, commitment and ownership by States Parties are essential towards ensuring full effectiveness of the SEANWFZ Treaty. In this regard, we welcome consultations and continuous dialogue between ASEAN and the Nuclear-Weapon-States in resolving the long-overdue signing and ratification of the Protocol by the latter.
Mr. Chairman,
8. The complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula should remain a top priority of the international agenda. We are deeply concerned by the reported launch of a weapons-grade projectile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 2 October 2019 into the sea in close proximity to Japan. This development is counter-productive to confidence building measures and the security of the Korean Peninsula. We hope that denuclearisation dialogues will resume without further delay.
9. The developments concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is regrettable. We call on all parties to refrain from undertaking any actions that would further undermine the agreement.
I thank you.
