·9 AHLI PARLIMEN IPOH BARAT .

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OFFICE OF THE MALAYSIAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR IPOH BARAT 11 A, JALAN DATO SER AHMAD SAID, GREENTOWN P.O. BOX 382, 30450 IPOH, PERAK. E-MAIL: ipoh2010@yahoo.com TEL:05-255 0722, 05-255 3808 (FAX)

Press statement by M. Kula Segaran MP in lpoh on 27th march 2015

The ratification of the ATT and the ICC is long over due

I welcome the Statement made earlier this week by Foreign Ministry Deputy Secretary-General

Datuk Ho May Yong indicating that the Arms Trade Treaty had been known as an international legal

instrument that established common binding international standards to regulate international trade

in conventional arms.

I also welcome the fact that the Deputy Secretary-General highlighted that by regulating the

international transfer of arms intended to perpetrate widespread violations of International

Humanitarian Law and human rights law in situations of conflict and armed violence, Malaysia hopes

that the ATI would achieve its two purposes, namely to contribute to international peace, security

and stability, and reduce human suffering.

The additional observation by the Deputy Secretary-General that Malaysia has always been sensitive

and shows serious concern over the horrendous devastation of armed conflicts and its consequences,

especially on civilian populations, is also noted.

However, the most persuasive manifestation of this sensitivity, concern and commitment of the

Malaysian Government to upholding international humanitarian law, contributing to peace .. security

and stability and reducing human suffering can be achieved only by concrete actions, not mere

words - prompt ratification of international treaties that have these same objectives.

The ATI entered into force in December 2014, and 64 countries have ratified to date.

The Government of Malaysia has yet to ratify.

I urge the Government to take this vital step as soon as possible, and before the Meeting of the First

Conference of States Parties of the ATI - during which key decisions on the future trajectory and

implementation of the ATI will take place - so that they can participate in this meeting in Mexico City

in 5 month's time - at the end of August 20015.

I also urge the Government to demonstrate this same, oft-stated commitment to international peace

and security, international humanitarian law and the reduction of human suffering by ratifying

another essential international treaty, elaborated to achieve these same objectives - the Rome

Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Rome Statute has been ratified by 123 countries

worldwide. It is a matter of considerable regret and embarrassment that, 13 years after.the entry

into force of this seminal international treaty, and in spite of several undertakings and assertions of

commitments to ratify, Malaysia to this day has chosen to remain on the sidelines and remains a

non-State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC. I sincerely hope the ATI will not suffer the same fate

in my country.

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