Malaysia’s call for big powers to uphold international law ‘consistently’ marks regional unease

Analysts say the remarks are aimed broadly at powerful states as Southeast Asian nations seek stronger deterrence against coercion

Defence Minister Khaled Nordin delivered the message on Monday at the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference in Kuala Lumpur, where he said major powers had a special responsibility to uphold global stability without bending the rules to suit their interests.

“Malaysia sees you as the custodians of global peace and stability,” he said. “But we expect you to do so while respecting international laws and rules-based orders – consistently, not selectively.”

Analysts said the remarks were aimed broadly at major powers, including the United States and China, as Southeast Asian states sought stronger deterrence against coercion while trying to preserve their strategic autonomy.

Officials from the US Pacific Command (PACOM) also pledged at the conference to maintain a regional presence to deter aggression.