STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA
THIRD SESSION OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE
2026 REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO
THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)
NEW YORK
CLUSTER 2 ISSUES
5 MAY 2025
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the NAM States Parties to the NPT.
- As we convene for this final session of the NPT PrepCom, the international security environment remains fraught with tension, and the risks associated with nuclear weapons persist, if not intensify. It is imperative that we uphold the integrity and authority of the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Malaysia maintains that progress on nuclear non-proliferation cannot be sustained without simultaneous, concrete advancements in nuclear disarmament. The very legitimacy and effectiveness of the non-proliferation regime depend on the steadfast pursuit of the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
- Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the NPT and the fulfilment of its obligations. We recognise the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the sole competent authority responsible for verification of compliance with the safeguards obligations under Article III of the Treaty, in ensuring that nuclear energy is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. The IAEA's safeguards system is indispensable in building confidence and trust among States.
Mr. Chair,
- Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) represent vital contributions to regional and international peace and security, strengthening the NPT regime. However, their establishment does not diminish the legal obligations and unequivocal undertakings of the nuclear-weapon States (NWS) towards the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals.
- Malaysia is gravely concerned over the situation in the Korean Peninsula. We condemn the recent increase in the DPRK’s launching of missiles. We urge the DPRK to cease its provocative activities and return to compliance with its international obligations, including under the NPT, and to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
- Malaysia also reaffirms its support for the restoration and full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We urge the relevant parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy towards this end.
- Malaysia continues to support the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, consistent with the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East. We acknowledge the contributions of the ongoing UNGA-mandated Conference process and urge all relevant parties to engage constructively towards establishing such a zone.
- As a State Party to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty or Bangkok Treaty), Malaysia underlines its importance as a disarmament and non-proliferation instrument in the ASEAN region. We reaffirm our commitment to continuously engage all NWS, including those with reservations, and intensify efforts of all parties to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty.
Mr. Chair,
- The continued reliance on nuclear weapons in national and alliance security strategies, including the expansion of nuclear deterrence policies, fundamentally undermines global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. The modernisation of nuclear arsenals and development of new types of nuclear weapons reflect a disturbing lack of commitment to disarmament and increase the risk of proliferation and catastrophic humanitarian consequences if these weapons are ever used again. Any assumption of the indefinite possession of nuclear weapons is incompatible with the object and purpose, provisions, and integrity of the NPT.
- In this context, Malaysia highlights the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which complements and reinforces the NPT, particularly the disarmament obligations under Article VI, by providing a clear pathway towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
Mr. Chair,
- In conclusion, Malaysia stands ready to cooperate fully in our deliberations on these crucial non-proliferation matters. We remain hopeful that our collective efforts will advance our shared objective under the NPT - a more secure world for all, free from nuclear weapons.
Thank you.