Nurturing participation of developing countries in the multilateral approach to the nuclear fuel cycle : a case study - Malaysia

• Main Author: Baharuddin, Bashillah
• Published: University of Warwick 2018
• Subjects: 320; JZ International relations
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.752513

The Malaysian government has recently decided to consider nuclear energy as an option for electricity generation post-2030. In this light, Malaysia needs to develop a National Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy to ensure the sustainability of its nuclear power programme. Due to the nature of dual use nuclear technology, this policy debate touches a very sensitive political topic in the context of the ongoing ‘war on terror’. To prevent newcomer states from misusing sensitive technology facilities such as the enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear materials, the international system employs multilateral nuclear arrangements (MNA). However, the MNA has come under criticism, especially from the developing countries, since it contradicts their rights for peaceful use of nuclear technology, as stipulated under Article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Without a doubt, the central issue in the implementation of MNA is about trust and trustworthiness. Through a historical analysis and policy study, this thesis identifies the factors that influence nuclear cooperation in the framework of multilateralism. It also explores Malaysia’s participation in the MNA, contributes to the debate on the most appropriate option for its nuclear fuel cycle and provides information for developing Malaysia’s Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy. The arguments made in this thesis are based on consultations and analysis of a range of primary documents (white papers, acts, reports and formal interviews, etc.) and secondary materials (presentations by policy-makers and analysts, a wide-range of secondary literature). These materials have been crosschecked against a limited number of unstructured interviews with policymakers, analysts and Malaysian Government officials. The thesis is also underpinned by information from relevant academic, media and historical literature. The study concludes that the MNA is the best choice through which Malaysia can secure a fuel supply and maintain the sustainability of its national nuclear power program.