Malaysia becomes 46th country to ratify TPNW

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia today signed the instrument of ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), making it the 46th country committed to ratifying the treaty.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who signed on behalf of the government, said Malaysia's ratification had brought the international community closer to the number of 50 ratifications that was needed to bring the treaty into force.

Hishammuddin, who is undergoing home quarantine, signed the instrument as guests who gathered for the event at Wisma Putra here today witnessed through video.

In his speech read by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar, Hishammuddin said Malaysia had signed the treaty in 2017 but although it had taken a little time to ensure the necessary processes were completed, Malaysia has placed a tangible effort to the global movement towards nuclear disarmament.

"We are proud to have contributed to this important treaty and we encourage other states to expedite their ratifications," he said.

Hishammuddin said Malaysia had always held a principled position that the general and complete elimination of nuclear weapons should be at the top of the international agenda.

Adopted on July 7, 2017, TPNW prohibits all activities related to nuclear weapons, including, its development, testing, manufacturing, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, use and stationing.

"The treaty is also the first instance in international law that the threat of use of nuclear weapons is outlawed," said Hishammuddin in a statement released at the event.

Hishammuddin said ratifying the TPNW was Malaysia’s tangible effort to advance the cause of nuclear disarmament on the international stage and reaffirms Malaysia’s unwavering commitment and support towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

The entry into force of the TPNW would complement international law regarding nuclear disarmament, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he said.

"The TPNW further reinforces the norm that nuclear weapons are unacceptable, should not be used, should not be threatened to be used and need to be discarded and destroyed as soon as possible," he said.

--BERNAMA