PM Anwar calls for deeper defence, aerospace collaboration with Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on global defence and aerospace industry players to engage more closely with Malaysian manufacturers, underscoring the country’s growing role in high-value global supply chains.

He said Malaysian companies have earned their place in some of the world’s most demanding commercial supply chains through a strong culture of precision and accountability, which is equally applicable to defence aerospace.

"So, to the primes and Tier 1 suppliers here, come and find our manufacturers. Spend time with them.

A number of you have already begun to do exactly that, and I would invite those who have not to consider seriously why their peers have,” he said.

Anwar said this when opening the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Exhibition (NATSEC) Asia 2026 today, themed Empowering the Capability and Resilience of Technology Miners.

Now in its 19th edition, the exhibition is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) until Thursday.

The prime minister said Malaysia's policy of active non-alignment enables it to maintain working relationships with all major partners and allows Malaysian suppliers to integrate into global supply chains without geopolitical complications

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that Malaysia aims to build a defence industrial base where local companies earn and retain their positions in international supply chains based on performance and discipline.

He stressed that the government is committed to ensuring a reliable business environment, including the protection of intellectual property, enforcement of strategic trade controls and equal application of the law.

"These are the conditions without which none of what I have described this morning is possible and we take that seriously.

"If something is not working, if the process creates friction where it should not or enforcement falls short, tell us directly. We will act," he said.

At the same time, Anwar highlighted the need for responsible governance of rapidly advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities, noting that both governments and industry must play a role.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 brings together conventional defence systems, electronic warfare technologies and internal security solutions, while serving as a platform to strengthen international cooperation through meetings, forums and strategic dialogue sessions.

The exhibition is open exclusively to government officials in defence and security, industry professionals and executives, military personnel, police and guests. - BERNAMA