Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the withdrawal of troops from Saudi Arabia, who had been stationed there since 2015, had also reduced the ministry’s expenses. However, he did not disclose the amount.

“We will only focus on sending (Malaysian) troops under (the request of) the United Nations (UN). If there is a clash between countries, we will try to avoid (sending troops),” he told Bernama in an interview here.

The Malaysian troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia to bring home Malaysians stranded in Yemen after the conflict which began there three years ago.

Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said the country could play a vital role in finding a peaceful solution for Yemen through the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Yesterday, Mohamad paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, who is also the country’s defence minister.

He said Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia had not been affected by its decisions, adding that Malaysia would further enhance ties with the two countries in other fields such as education, health and the holding of joint exercises.