Malaysia has reaffirmed that regional peace and stability are essential for national development, saying they are key to attracting investment, strengthening cooperation and driving economic growth.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Southeast Asia must continue to uphold its status as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), describing the principle as just as relevant today as when it was first proposed by Malaysia in 1971 under the leadership of the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
Speaking at the 37th International Military Law and Operations (MILOPS) Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Mohamed Khaled said peace has enabled ASEAN to thrive despite its cultural, religious and political diversity, making it one of the world’s most successful regional organisations.
The conference, held from August 3 to 6, is attended by senior military and defence officials from 30 countries, along with representatives from international organisations.
The Defence Minister stressed that the role of armed forces is not to wage war but to prevent conflict, adding that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, mediation and diplomacy rather than military confrontation.
He also called on major world powers to uphold international law and respect the rules-based international order consistently, saying military strength should serve as a force for peace rather than intimidation.
