STATEMENT : MAIN COMMITTEE II ELEVENTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)

STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA

DELIVERED BY MR. ABDILBAR RASHID, COUNSELLOR

MAIN COMMITTEE II

ELEVENTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE

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

NEW YORK, 5 MAY 2026

Mr. Chair,

My delegation congratulates you on your appointment as the Chair of Main Committee II, and assures you of Malaysia’s full support and cooperation in steering the work of this Committee.

2. Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

3. As Non-Nuclear Weapon State, Malaysia attaches high importance to the non-proliferation pillar of the NPT, including robust safeguards and the role of nuclear-weapon-free zones, as integral elements that sustain confidence in the Treaty. These obligations must be implemented fully, consistently and in a non-discriminatory manner, in order to preserve the integrity and credibility of the Treaty.

4. Malaysia is gravely concerned by ongoing proliferation trends, including the continued expansion and modernisation of nuclear arsenals and the development of destabilising capabilities. Such developments run counter to the object and purpose of the NPT and risk accelerating renewed arms competition at a time when restraint is urgently required.

5. Malaysia reiterates that arrangements involving nuclear weapon sharing raise serious questions of compatibility with Article I, and we therefore call upon all Nuclear Weapon States to put an end to such practices, including any related nuclear weapon cooperation with non-States Parties to the Treaty. Any transfer, stationing, or sharing of nuclear weapons, as well as control over such weapons, must not be normalised or justified under any circumstances.

Mr. Chair,

6. Malaysia fully recognises the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the sole competent authority for verifying safeguards obligations assumed by States Parties under the NPT. The IAEA safeguards system remains indispensable in providing assurance that nuclear material and activities remain exclusively for peaceful purposes and are not diverted to the development or production of nuclear weapons.

7. For Malaysia, effective safeguards are not merely technical measures, but a fundamental basis of trust that enables international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this regard, Malaysia has fully implemented its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and maintains a strong record of safeguards implementation since its entry into force. Malaysia underscores that full compliance with safeguards obligations by all States Parties is essential to maintaining confidence in the non-proliferation regime.

Mr. Chair,

8. Malaysia fully supports internationally recognised nuclear weapon-free zones. These zones are effective measures that contribute to both non-proliferation and disarmament by promoting transparency, confidence-building and regional stability. They also serve as practical mechanism to reduce the risk conflict and escalation. It is imperative that Nuclear Weapons States respect the denuclearisation status of these zones and provide negative security assurances against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons to all States within these zones.

9. Just as we remain steadfast in our support for the establishment of these zones, we underscore the importance of the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East, which was an integral and essential part of the package of decisions that enabled the indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995. Malaysia deeply regrets that the Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone has yet to be established, despite the increasing volatility and heightened proliferation risks in the region.

10. Recent developments have underscored how quickly instability in the Middle East can generate wider spillover effects well beyond the region. Malaysia considers that the establishment of a Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone would be a critical confidence-building measure that strengthens regional and international security. We therefore call for renewed, inclusive and results-oriented efforts towards this long-standing goal, consistent with the relevant UN processes and the 1995 Resolution. Malaysia stresses the importance of its full and timely implementation.

11. As a State Party to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), Malaysia strongly reaffirms its paramount importance as a disarmament and non-proliferation instrument in the ASEAN region. It is regrettable that although the Treaty has been in force for almost three decades, its Protocol has yet to be signed by any of the Nuclear Weapon States. Malaysia calls upon the Nuclear Weapon States to sign and ratify the SEANWFZ Protocol at the earliest, in line with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Strategic Plan adopted in 2025. Malaysia further underscores the importance of respecting the denuclearised status of the region and upholding commitments under the Treaty.

Mr. Chair,

12. Averting the proliferation of nuclear weapons is of utmost priority of all States and of humanity, and it demands collective resolve, perseverance, and sustained determination. In the absence of credible progress, the integrity of the non-proliferation regime risks further erosion. Our shared security depends on a regime that is credible in law and effective in practice, one that strengthens verification, ensures compliance, and reduces pathways to escalation.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.