Malaysia’s decision to suspend future defence procurement and contracts with Norway is justified after the country failed to show respect for Malaysia by revoking an export licence for a missile system, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
He said the Cabinet had endorsed the Ministry of Defence’s recommendation to halt the procurement of new defence assets from Norway following its decision to cancel the export licence for missiles ordered for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme.
Mohamed Khaled said the policy currently applies only to the Defence Ministry, although the Cabinet had also considered whether it should be extended to other ministries.
“Once existing contracts involving Norway expire, the government may no longer engage Norwegian companies or renew those contracts,” he told reporters after the Ziarah Kasih programme at FELDA Pasak in Kota Tinggi on Thursday.
He described the move as appropriate, saying Norway had shown a lack of respect towards Malaysia and expressed hope that the public would understand and support the government’s decision.
Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia was disappointed that Norway revoked the export licence despite the contract having been signed in 2018 and payments already made. He added that the decision was made unilaterally at the last minute without prior notice or consultation.
He also dismissed Norway’s explanation that the missile system was supplied only to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members and allies, saying the country was fully aware of Malaysia’s need to strengthen its defence capabilities, particularly for patrol and security operations in the South China Sea.
Malaysia has conveyed its position to Norway’s deputy foreign minister and ambassador, with Mohamed Khaled stating that bilateral ties must be based on trust and mutual respect. “We no longer have confidence in Norway,” he said.
