Govt Responds After Being Urged To Explain Presence Of Israeli-Linked Companies At KL Expo
Some of the companies have provided military equipment to Malaysia.
By Sadho Ram — 07 May 2024, 10:08 AM
Malaysia is currently co-hosting the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur
According to Bernama, the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 exhibition is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) from Monday, 6 May, until Thursday, 9 May.
The biennial event, which involves the Defence and Home Affairs Ministries along with the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration, and Royal Customs Departments, showcases the advanced electronic warfare technology and assets in the land, air, and sea defence sectors.
It has attracted the participation of 1,324 companies from 60 countries, with 34 countries having their own pavilions, including Turkey, China, UAE, Italy, and the US, according to the official website.
However, a group of pro-Palestinian movements are criticising the Malaysian government due to the participation of several companies
The groups are alleging that these companies supply weapons to Israel.
They have called for a boycott of the event and urged the government to ban companies such as Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, accusing them of aiding the genocide and atrocities against Palestinians.
One of the groups, Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin, named other companies such as Aim Point, Colt, L3Harris, Leupold, Shield AI, and Leonardo as allegedly providing arms to Israel.
"How can Malaysia, as a nation that boldly stands in solidarity with Palestine, allow these companies to enter our borders and proudly display their weaponry, that they supply to aid a genocide that is still ongoing?" Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin said in a statement on Monday, 6 May.
On its website, Lockheed Martin states that it is "proud" of its role in defending Israel's security.
"Our C-130 and F-16 aircraft have been faithfully serving the Israel Air Force since the 1970s and 1980s, and when a letter of agreement was signed in October 2010, Israel became the first country to select the F-35 through the US government's foreign military sales process," it added.
Lockheed's F-16s and F-35s were used by Israel to bomb Gaza.
According to FMT, some of the companies have provided military equipment to Malaysia.
The Malaysian Armed Forces has a history of collaboration with BAE Systems and Leonardo, and in February, a long-range ground-based radar developed by Lockheed Martin was installed in East Malaysia.
Former foreign affairs minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has also called on Putrajaya to ban the two companies supplying weapons to Israel
The Bersatu leader pointed out that Lockheed Martin manufactures the F-35 fighter jet, while BAE supplies equipment used by Israelis in attacks on Palestinians, resulting in casualties, reported Malaysiakini.
However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has distanced himself from calls for the government to act against the companies, saying, "Let the organisers respond".
Meanwhile, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan, told the media that the US government has no say in which companies participate in the exhibition.
He also noted that there has been no formal communication from groups protesting the participation of the companies accused of supporting the genocide in Gaza, reported The Star.
"The DSA has a global reputation. It is known as a serious show that puts together critical global players. As far as the participation and who comes here, the US government doesn't have a role in it.
"This is something at the invitation of Malaysia. So I refer you to organisers of the show for questions on participation," he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that the exhibition does not favour or give advantages to any particular country
While responding to criticism over the participation of several global defence companies in the exhibition, he said Malaysia adopts a non-interference approach in the business affairs of global companies from any country.
"The relationships of several global defence companies with specific countries are business matters that Malaysia will not interfere with. The organisation of this exhibition is very clear, providing space and opportunities for all parties to showcase their expertise and the latest defence technology.
"It allows governments from various countries and global industry players to explore various cutting-edge technologies and innovations to enhance their respective defence readiness," he said in a statement last night, 6 May.
Khaled noted that the exhibition is open to all countries and industry players, including significant participation from Islamic countries such as Türkiye, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Pakistan.
"In addition to Islamic countries, this exhibition also serves as an important platform for defence players from Asia, including South Korea, China, India, and Singapore. DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 are exhibitions organised by the private sector, with all costs and expenses fully borne by the organisers. The Malaysian government does not incur any expenses in its organisation," he said.
"No defence acquisition will be made without considering Malaysia's global position, especially in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Malaysia's national interests. The Defence Ministry consistently supports the country's policy against any form of injustice towards Palestine," he added.
