STATEMENT BY REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
MR. GOBINATH NADARAJAH
AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF AGENDA ITEM 91:
REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
17 NOVEMBER 2021
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
Mr. President,
At the outset, Malaysia wishes to thank Director-General, Rafael Mariano Gossi for the presentation of the IAEA’s annual report today.
2. Malaysia commends the Agency’s activities in various areas highlighted in the report, despite the challenging circumstances caused by the pandemic. In particular, we commend the Agency’s continued commitment to strengthen IAEA safety standards and in assisting States in their efforts to establish comprehensive national nuclear security regimes through capacity building, human resource development, and other forms of assistance.
3. As a current member of the Agency’s board of governors, Malaysia will continue to support the Agency’s essential role in facilitating access to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology for States, while ensuring that the highest level of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards are observed. Malaysia is also proud to have received the awards for outstanding achievements by the IAEA and FAO last September for our effort in applying radiation mutation breeding to increase the nation's self-sufficiency level and food security. In this connection, we stand ready to extend our support and cooperation to the Agency and States in any initiatives and activities towards our mutual goals and interests.
Mr. President,
4. Malaysia strongly believes in the balanced and effective implementation of the three pillars of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this regard, Malaysia recognises the indispensable role of the IAEA in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology as the sole competent authority mandated to verify the compliance of States towards their safeguards obligations.
5. Malaysia has always considered the NPT as the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. We hope that all States Parties could utilise the 10th NPT Review Conference to reaffirm and implement past objectives and commitments while reinvigorating the process moving forward. We also hail the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to further the goals of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
6. In closing, my delegation would like to reiterate its continued support of the Agency’s mandated role to promote safe, secure, and peaceful uses of nuclear technology and is pleased to co-sponsor the draft resolution on the Report of the Agency today.
Thank you, Mr. President.