Us Nuclear Tech Pact Will Benefit Malaysia Says Us Envoy

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 Edgard D Kagan says a formal 123 Agreement would unlock wider access to nuclear technology and strengthen Malaysia’s energy security.
US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan says a 123 Agreement on nuclear technology with Washington will expand Malaysia’s choices at the ‘best possible price’.KUALA LUMPUR: US Ambassador Edgard D Kagan is confident Malaysia will gain significantly from a formal partnership with Washington on nuclear technology, as Putrajaya explores a strategic shift into sustainable energy
In an exclusive interview with FMT, Kagan explained that the US authorities are barred by law from exporting nuclear technology to foreign nations without a “123 Agreement” in place.
Under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, countries importing American nuclear technology must commit in writing to Washington’s non-proliferation safeguards and provide various legal assurances, including that the materials will be used only for peaceful purposes.

Kagan said that while the agreement does not restrict countries to sourcing nuclear materials exclusively from the US, it facilitates broader cooperation with other technology exporters that uphold the same standards and commitments.
Without the agreement, the ambassador said, countries like Malaysia would be limiting themselves to “one type of technology”.
“I think it’s very clear that when you have only one choice of who you buy from, you’re unlikely to get the best possible price,” said Kagan, adding that it would make “a huge amount of sense” for Putrajaya to formalise its partnership with Washington.
Kagan was responding to a question about the advantages of Malaysia and fellow Asean member nations working with the US on nuclear technology in view of competing offers received from the likes of China and Russia.
The 123 Agreement, he added, was about ensuring that Malaysia had choices as it goes forward in pursuit of nuclear technology.
In July, Malaysia and the US signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic civil nuclear cooperation, a move foreign minister Mohamad Hasan described as a “significant milestone” in advancing energy security and sustainable development.
At the time, Mohamad said Malaysia was ready to begin negotiations on the terms of a 123 Agreement.
In August, Kagan told Bernama that Malaysia’s pursuit of the agreement reflected the country’s recognition of the US as a global leader in cutting-edge nuclear technology. - FMT

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