STATEMENT : GENERAL DEBATE ELEVENTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)

STATEMENT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY DATO’ DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

GENERAL DEBATE

ELEVENTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE

TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)

NEW YORK, 29 APRIL 2026

Mr. President,

My delegation congratulates you on your election as President of the Review Conference, and assures you of our full cooperation and support.

2. Malaysia associates itself with the statements delivered by the Philippines, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and by Uganda, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

3. The NPT remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Yet, decades on, we remain far from the shared goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. The continued credibility of the Treaty now more than ever, hinges on the delivery of concrete and irreversible progress, not mere reiteration of commitments. We must demonstrate that the Treaty remains fit for purpose, in addressing both longstanding and emerging challenges.

4. In today’s environment of heightened geopolitical tension, the risks of miscalculation and escalation are real and growing. Malaysia is deeply concerned that evolving doctrines risk normalising the notion that nuclear weapons confer security, when in reality they exacerbate insecurity for all.

5. Any use of nuclear weapons, whether by design or miscalculation, would have catastrophic and irreversible humanitarian and environmental consequences that transcend borders. Such consequences would be global in scope and beyond the capacity of any State or system to manage. Malaysia therefore maintains its principled position on the total elimination of nuclear weapons within the framework of general and complete disarmament.

6. Malaysia reiterates that the NPT’s three pillars – disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy – are mutually reinforcing and must be implemented in a full, balanced and non-discriminatory manner. However, current trends reflect not only stagnation, but regression, with renewed arms competition and the gradual erosion of established norms.

7. Malaysia calls on all States Parties to uphold non-proliferation obligations consistently, while ensuring that the peaceful uses pillar is advanced through effective cooperation and capacity-building without discrimination. This Review Conference must serve as a decisive moment to restore confidence in the Treaty through meaningful and measurable action.

Mr. President,

8. Commitments agreed at the 1995, 2000, and 2010 Review Conferences remain valid and must be fully implemented. These are not political aspirations, but binding undertakings that must be honoured without delay. Malaysia urges the Nuclear-Weapon States to demonstrate leadership through tangible, measurable and irreversible actions, including enhanced transparency and risk reduction measures.

9. Malaysia also looks forward to the first Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) later this year. We view the Treaty as a complementary instrument that reinforces the global disarmament architecture and strengthens momentum towards fulfilling Article VI of the NPT. It reflects the clear and unequivocal position of the international community that nuclear weapons must never be used under any circumstances.

10. As a State Party to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), Malaysia underscores that nuclear-weapon-free zones are practical mechanisms that reduce risks and build confidence. We call for the signing and ratification of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty at the earliest opportunity and urge Nuclear-Weapon States to respect the denuclearized status of all such zones.

11. Malaysia further supports the establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East. In light of the deteriorating regional security environment, this objective has become more urgent than ever.  We reaffirm the continuing importance of the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East.

Mr. President,

12. Malaysia is deeply concerned by developments in the Middle East, which continue to erode confidence in the global non-proliferation regime. In this regard, Malaysia condemns Israel’s actions that fuel instability and undermine prospects for peace and security in the region. Malaysia unequivocally reiterates that the integrity of the NPT cannot be preserved while one State in the region remains outside the Treaty and continues to benefit from exceptionalism. Israel must accede to the NPT without delay and place all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards.

13. Malaysia also remains concerned by developments in the Korean Peninsula. following the surge in ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which continue to undermine regional and international peace and security. We call for restraint, de-escalation, and the resumption of dialogue towards the realisation of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula.

14. On peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Malaysia reiterates that Article IV on the inalienable right of States Parties to develop, research and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes must be fully implemented without discrimination. This right must not be constrained by political considerations unrelated to Treaty obligations. Malaysia recognises that the IAEA is the sole competent authority for safeguards verification and remains committed to fulfilling its obligations.

15. The days ahead will be challenging. Following successive review cycles without a substantive outcome, failure is not an option for this Conference. Malaysia stands ready to engage constructively with all States Parties to achieve a balanced and forward-looking outcome that strengthens the NPT and our collective security.

I thank you, Mr. President.