Malaysia Ratifies Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty

JAKARTA - The Malaysian government signed the ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons / TPNW. This indicates that Malaysia no longer accepts nuclear weapons and their use as a justifiable tool of war.

"Today I signed the TPNW ratification instrument on behalf of the Malaysian Government at a ceremony in Putrajaya," said Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Seri Hishamuddin Hussein in Putrajaya, as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, September 30.

The ceremony was witnessed by representatives from Malaysian Government Ministries and Agencies, members from the diplomatic corps as well as representatives from international, non-governmental and civil society organizations.

The TPNW adopted on 7 July 2017 prohibits all activities related to nuclear weapons, including development, testing, manufacturing, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, use and deployment. The treaty is also the first example in international law that threatens the prohibited use of nuclear weapons.

"Ratifying the TPNW is Malaysia's real effort to advance the cause of nuclear disarmament on the international stage," he continued.

He said these signatories also reaffirmed Malaysia's unwavering commitment and support for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.

To date 46 countries have ratified the treaty. By ratifying this agreement, Malaysia contributes to the enforcement of the TPNW to complement international law on nuclear disarmament including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

TPNW further reinforces the norm that nuclear weapons cannot be accepted, cannot be used, cannot be used, are threatened for use and need to be disposed of and destroyed as soon as possible.

"Malaysia hopes that ratifying the TPNW will change the discourse on nuclear disarmament from one dominated by nuclear weapons and a nuclear-armed state, to a country that is more democratic, just and where all countries have an equal voice," he explained.