STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA
SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS DISARMAMENT COMMISSION
(INFORMAL GENERAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS)
DELIVERED BY MR. ABDILBAR RASHID, COUNSELLOR
NEW YORK, 13 APRIL 2026
Madam Vice-Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by NAM and by ASEAN.
- Malaysia expressed its disappointment that the meeting was unable to reach consensus on the adoption of the provisional agenda for this year’s UNDC particularly as this year marks the conclusion of the three-year cycle of the UNDC which we started in 2024. However, we highly appreciate the work of the Bureau in finding the best way possible to address the stalemate. Malaysia further underscores that this is an unfortunate precedent and must not be repeated or replicated in future UNDC sessions.
- Amid heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing pressure on the multilateral system, the UNDC remains a vital component of the international disarmament architecture. It offers Member States a dedicated platform for substantive, in-depth exchanges on key disarmament challenges, both enduring and emerging, with the objective of formulating recommendations for submission to the General Assembly.
Madam Vice-Chair,
- The imperative of achieving tangible progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, cannot be overstated. Malaysia believes it is essential to guard against narratives that seek to normalise nuclear weapons as guarantors of security, when in fact their existence and any use or threat of use, pose an existential risk to humanity and the planet. In this regard, Malaysia reaffirms that the only enduring assurance against such catastrophic consequences lies in the total elimination of nuclear weapons, consistent with our shared responsibility to protect present and future generations.
- Malaysia remains seriously concerned that some States, together with their allies, continue to uphold nuclear deterrence as a central element of their security policies, with implications that extend to the security of all States. These risks are further heightened by continuing qualitative and quantitative modernisation of nuclear arsenals, which Malaysia views with deep concern. Against this backdrop, Malaysia reiterates its firm and unequivocal rejection of any nuclear threats, whether explicit or implicit, in all circumstances.
- In parallel, we underscore the need for sustained and collective efforts to safeguard the integrity of key instruments, particularly the NPT, which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The NPT’s credibility cannot be assumed, particularly after two successive review cycles concluded without a substantive outcome, and renewed political will is therefore required to rebuild confidence and revive good-faith engagement as we approach the 11th NPT Review Conference later this month.
- The complementary role of other key treaties, including the TPNW, should be acknowledged. As we approach the first Review Conference of the States Parties to the TPNW later this year, my delegation will continue collaborating with partners in its preparation, including in our role as Co-Chair of the informal working group on Article 4, together with the Philippines.
- As a State Party to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, Malaysia underscores the important contribution that nuclear-weapon-free zones make to international peace and security, and encourages efforts to strengthen existing zones while advancing the establishment of new ones in regions where they do not yet exist, including the Middle East.
- Malaysia also stresses the need to uphold the longstanding norm against nuclear testing, mindful of the profound human and environmental harm it has caused, and therefore urges the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) without further delay, including through the prompt signature and ratification by the remaining Annex II States.
Madam Vice-Chair,
- In closing, Malaysia reaffirms its readiness and commitment to engage constructively, proactively, and in good faith in the work of the United Nations Disarmament Commission, today and beyond.
I thank you.