KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is not dependent on a single power bloc or specific supplier for its defence procurement, says Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.
“The Defence Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the nation's defence procurement strategy is implemented based on national security interests and is not dependent on any single power bloc or specific supplier,” he said in a parliamentary written reply dated July 13.
“Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement arrangements are prioritised to ensure greater supply chain assurance, enhance accountability, and reduce the risk of unilateral disruption or cancellation of contracts,” he said.
The operational independence of the Armed Forces is safeguarded by ensuring that procured assets are not subject to conditions or restrictions that could compromise the forces' ability to fulfil their responsibility of defending the nation.
“In addition, the Ministry continues to strengthen the risk assessment process for all major procurements by taking into account factors such as geopolitical stability, export restrictions, the sustainability of logistics support, and supply chain resilience throughout the lifecycle of the assets. This approach enables procurement decisions to be made in a more prudent and resilient manner,” he said.
The government, he said, will continue to strengthen the implementation of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) through technology transfer, the development of the domestic defence industry, and the enhancement of Malaysia’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities over the long term.
“These measures will reduce dependence on external suppliers while strengthening the nation's defence self-reliance,” he said.
