Khaled said Malaysia was a “free trade country” that gave all global industry players the space to market their products and services.
“Therefore, Malaysia does not interfere with the business affairs of any global company from any country.
“The relationships that several global defence companies have with certain countries are business matters that Malaysia does not interfere with,” he said in a statement.
A pro-Palestine movement and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had hit out at the presence of major western defence contractors at a three-day defence and security exhibition that ends tomorrow.
Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin said firms like Lockheed Martin, MBDA (BAE Systems), Aim Point, Colt, L3Harris, Leupold, Shield AI and Leonardo were providing arms to Israel, which it said was engaging “in genocide and brutal killings against the Palestinian people”.
Mahathir meanwhile said the defence ministry must take stern action and order these companies to leave as soon as possible. He said allowing them to participate in the exhibition made a mockery of Putrajaya’s opposition to the “atrocities committed by Tel Aviv”.
Some of the companies mentioned which are participating in the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and the Asia National Security Exhibition 2024 previously provided military equipment to Malaysia.
In February, a long-range ground-based radar developed by Lockheed Martin was reportedly installed in East Malaysia, while BAE and Leonardo have a long association with the Malaysian armed forces.
Khaled said his ministry’s defence procurement policy took into account technological advancements, the nation’s strategic needs, costs and Malaysia’s geopolitical stance.
“No defence procurement will be implemented without taking into account Malaysia’s global stand, especially with regards to the Palestine-Israel conflict and Malaysia’s national interests.
“The defence ministry has consistently supported the nation’s policy to oppose all forms of injustice against Palestine.”
He also maintained that the exhibition gave all companies an equal opportunity to showcase their latest defence technologies and expertise, adding that no particular company was given an advantage.
He said the exhibition was fully organised and paid for by the private sector, and that industry players from Muslim nations like Turkey, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Pakistan were also participating in the exhibition.
“Aside from Muslim nations, this exhibition is also an important arena for Asian players from South Korea, China, India and Singapore,” he said.