KUALA LUMPUR: All countries engaging with Asean must respect the region’s long-standing commitment to remain free of nuclear weapons, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said that Asean had clearly articulated its position through the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), and that this principle must be upheld in all regional engagements and defence cooperation initiatives.
“This region should remain free from nuclear weapons. It has been firmly established, and any country wishing to engage with Asean must respect this aspiration,” he said at a press conference.
Khaled added that Asean’s collective stance reflected the bloc’s belief that nuclear weapons, and any weapons of mass destruction, had no place in ensuring global or regional peace.
“As a nation, Malaysia believes that any weapon capable of destroying humanity should never be developed or sanctioned,” he said.
He added that the region’s commitment to nuclear disarmament was a cornerstone of Asean’s security identity, which emphasises peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual respect among all powers.
“This commitment is part of Asean’s core values and principles, which have allowed the region to remain peaceful and stable. Our dedication to a nuclear-free Southeast Asia must continue to be respected and upheld.”
Khaled was responding to a question on whether nuclear testing had been raised during bilateral discussions with the United States at the meeting.
He said the topic was not specifically discussed, but Malaysia’s position remained firm and consistent with Asean’s stance.
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