KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that developing countries may seek alternative partners if European nations continue to treat them unfairly, citing a defence-related dispute involving Norway and Malaysia.
He said Malaysia had paid 95 per cent of the contract value of the defence procurement deal but was given no satisfactory explanation for Norway’s decision to terminate the contract despite repeated requests for clarification.
The episode will influence Malaysia’s future decisions, Anwar said.
“If this is how European nations treat us, and the others are completely muted and silent, then we will have to seek alternatives, not deal with them,” he said in an exclusive interview with Russian television network RT.
Norway reportedly revoked the export licence for a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system in March, just days before its scheduled delivery, following tighter export controls on sensitive military technologies.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on June 2 that the unilateral decision had caused Malaysia direct losses exceeding RM600 million for the missile procurement, while indirect costs could surpass RM1 billion.
“We thought initially, we did suspect that probably because of NATO and the assistance of the United States of America.
“But NATO countries, Germany, France in particular, and Italy, said no, we are still having (good) relation with Malaysia,” Anwar said.
“But here there was an agreement signed. We paid 95 per cent, paid, but this is total nonsense.
“To me, it’s unacceptable, it is pathetic to have a country like Norway, having excellent relations in the past, to take (that) decision, and there was no explanation,” he said.
He added that he has spoken to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who was apologetic but cited security concerns as the reason for the decision.
Anwar said Malaysia had also sent representatives to the US to seek clarification on its position and was informed that Washington was not involved.
“So you see, they treat us like some banana republic or something like that, utter ignorance, but clearly arrogance on their part.
“We have strongly protested, and it’s not going to end,” he said.
Contrasting the episode with Malaysia’s dealings with Russia, Anwar said Moscow had honoured its commitments despite challenges arising from sanctions and restrictions affecting payment systems.
“There are two issues with regard to Russia. Number one, they have honoured all commitments, however difficult, in the very difficult period of a payment system and procedures at the time, because of the restrictions, we have not found any case of any breach.
“That is a fact, contrary to all this massive Western propaganda against Russia. I do not share that view,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia also sees significant untapped potential in its economic cooperation with Russia.
He added that Malaysia’s No.1 trading and investment partner is still the US, while there has also been phenomenal growth in terms of trade and investment with China.
“From digital to AI to cybersecurity to modern agriculture, these are all areas that we need to explore,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been supportive of Malaysia.
“And we have got teams now going to not only facilitate, but accelerate the process,” Anwar added.
