Protesters in Kuala Lumpur demanded that the government expel arms manufacturers supplying weapons to Israel from an international exhibition hosted by Malaysia’s Defense Ministry. The Solidarity for Palestinian coalition organized a rally outside the exhibition center to express their opposition to the presence of companies like Lockheed Martin and MBDA, accusing them of complicity in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The coalition called on the Malaysian government to take a firm stand and not allow these companies to participate in the exhibition, highlighting the country’s support for Palestinian statehood and the sentiments of Malaysians who oppose Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.
Despite the protests, Defense Minister Khaled Nordin stated that Malaysia would not interfere in the business relations between arms manufacturers and other countries. He emphasized that Malaysia is a free trade country and that the exhibition serves as a platform for the defense industry to showcase its latest technology and assist countries in strengthening their defense preparedness. Khaled clarified that the exhibition does not favor any particular country or company and that Malaysia will not intervene in the relationships that global defense companies have with certain countries. He pointed out that several Islamic countries, including Turkey, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Pakistan, are participating in the exhibition.
The issue of arms manufacturers supplying weapons to Israel has sparked debate in Malaysia, with former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also calling for the expulsion of these companies from the country. The presence of companies like Lockheed Martin and MBDA at the exhibition has raised concerns among Malaysians who oppose Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. Muslims, who make up two-thirds of Malaysia’s population of 34 million, are particularly sensitive to the conflict in the Middle East and expect the government to uphold its support for Palestinian statehood. The protesters emphasized the need for Malaysia to take a consistent and firm stand against arms dealers involved in conflicts that result in injustice against the Palestinian people.
While Malaysia stands firm in its support for Palestinian statehood and opposition to injustice against the Palestinian people, Defense Minister Khaled Nordin reiterated that the country is also committed to promoting free trade and not interfering in business relations between arms manufacturers and other countries. The Defense Services Asia exhibition provides a platform for the defense industry to showcase its products and assist countries in enhancing their defense capabilities. Despite the concerns raised by protesters, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia maintains that the exhibition does not favor any particular country or company and is open to participation from various global defense companies, including those with ties to certain countries like Israel.
The debate surrounding the presence of arms manufacturers supplying weapons to Israel at the Defense Services Asia exhibition reflects the broader tensions and sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Malaysia. The protests organized by the Solidarity for Palestinian coalition highlight the expectations of Malaysians, particularly the Muslim majority, for the government to uphold its support for Palestinian statehood and take a firm stand against companies perceived to be complicit in injustices against the Palestinian people. As Malaysia navigates its position on international defense exhibitions and business relations with arms manufacturers, the issue continues to be a point of contention and debate within the country.
