OPPOSITION VOICES
Critics of the presence of defence firms supplying arms to Israel include former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and the Palestine Solidarity Secretariat, a coalition of political parties and civil society groups, according to Malaysian media reports.
The Palestine Solidarity Secretariat said the government must explain the participation of companies such as Lockheed Martin, MBDA (part-owned by BAE Systems), Aimpoint, Colt, L3Harris, Leupold, Shield AI and Leonardo.
“These are the very people supplying equipment to carry out the genocide, and the genocide is still ongoing to this day,” it stated.
“It’s time for the government to show that its support for Palestine is not mere rhetoric.”
Dr Mahathir acknowledged Lockheed and BAE Systems have participated in previous editions of the exhibitions, but said “the situation this time is extraordinary”. The government should order the firms to leave, he said.
Mr Khaled said that the defence exhibitions are organised by private parties.
DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd is the organiser, according to the exhibitions’ website. It lists the home affairs and defence ministries as hosts, supporters and co-organisers. Mr Anwar opened the exhibitions on Monday.
The exhibitions do not favour any particular country or company, and also feature a “large participation from Islamic countries” such as Turkiye, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, added Mr Khaled.
On Malaysia’s defence procurement policy, Mr Khaled said it takes into account latest technological advances, the country’s strategic needs, cost-effectiveness, national interests and Malaysia’s “global political stance”.
The defence ministry has “always consistently supported the national policy against all forms of injustice against the Palestinian state”, he said.
