ALL parties, including those who form trilateral security pact Aukus, are urged not to engage in any provocative activities, which may disturb the peace and security of Asean, Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan said today.

Mohamad’s response comes on the back of the development of eight nuclear-powered submarines by the defence alliance, made up of Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. 

“As a member of Asean, Malaysia holds the principle of maintaining the region as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality, including on issues related to nuclear disarmament, nuclear proliferation prevention and the peaceful use of nuclear technology,” the Rembau lawmaker told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Mohamad added that Australia’s eight nuclear-powered submarines will only use nuclear-powered engines and will not be equipped with nuclear weapons. 

He said the Defence Ministry was briefed on the matter before the announcement was made.

“Chief of the Defence Force of Australia Angus J. Campbell came to explain on March 9 on the development of the eight nuclear-powered submarines.  

“He said these submarines will only use nuclear-powered engines and will not be fitted with nuclear weapons, in line with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which it signed in 1970,” he added. 

This explanation was followed by a phone call with US’ secretary of defence the following day and even during the latest meeting with the state minister at the UK Defence Ministry on March 28, Mohamad added. 

Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, was replying to a question from Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH), who sought to know Malaysia’s stance following the announcement of Australia’s purchase of eight nuclear-powered submarines worth A$368 billion (RM1.09 trillion), and its impact on the security of Asean countries. – March 30, 2023.