PETALING JAYA: Malaysia strongly protests Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and related launcher systems, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the objection was conveyed directly to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a telephone conversation, describing Norway’s unilateral decision as unacceptable.
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He said Malaysia had fulfilled all obligations under the defence contract since 2018,scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation.
“Norway had failed to reciprocate the same level of commitment and good faith.
“I made it plain that this decision will have grave consequences for Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme.
“It will undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance,” he said in a Facebook post Thursday (May 14).
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Anwar said signed contracts are solemn instruments.
“They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner.
“If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window,” he added.
On Tuesday (May 12), Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said the sudden termination of missile deliveries from Norway for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) LCS was shocking.
He had added that the missiles, which were ordered in 2018 and expected to be delivered two months ago, were suddenly blocked after the Norwegian government refused to approve the export licence just days before shipment.
He said Putrajaya was now addressing the matter through diplomatic channels, including discussions involving the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of both countries.
