A question of double standards

Khaled (right), seen here with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has said that as a free trading nation, Malaysia allows for all global players to market their products and services here. —Bernama

“TELL them to leave Malaysia asap.” These were some of the words used by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in telling the government to get rid of companies which took part in the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2024, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) this week.

The former prime minister was targeting Lockheed Martin, an American aerospace and defence company, and BAE Systems, a British aerospace and weapons firm. Lockheed Martin has supplied F-35 fighter jets to Israel, while BAE Systems supplies parts for the F-35 jets. Their presence, Dr Mahathir said, is an insult to the struggle of the Palestinians and the support of Malaysians against the genocide in Gaza.

While acknowledging that the defence contractors were regulars at exhibitions, he said the current situation in Palestine was “extraordinary”.

A day later a group of pro–Palestinian protesters decided to take to the street outside the exhibition to “express their concerns to the government”.

A government official said, in general, protestors were allowed to have that space to protest.

“We allow them to voice their concern. We give that space. There was no arrest but it is the government’s responsibility to make sure the security of the country is being secured.

“Security is not something that we can openly discuss. These companies that they accused of supplying weapons to Israel are the same equipment that we are using for our national defence and security,” he said.

In fact Janes, a news provider on security and defence issues, reported in mid–February that the Malaysian Armed Forces has installed Lockheed Martin’s multi role radar in Labuan. A Mindef official confirmed the report.

“You don’t question us on security issues. This is about protecting Malaysia and its citizens. But we do hear your voice and we relay these concerns to the parties involved,” he added.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin in defending the government said that Malaysia, as a free trading nation, allows for all global players to market their products and services, and does not interfere with any business dealings between companies and any country.

He said the DSA 2024 is organised by the private sector which fully bear the cost of the event.

“The ties between several global defence manufacturers and certain nations are business dealings and Malaysia will not get involved.

“No defence procurement will be done without taking into account Malaysia’s global stance especially in relation to the Palestine-Israel conflict,” Khaled said.

These are sensitive times but the Government could have avoided protests against the presence of the two firms had it quickly managed it.

“Gaza happened seven months ago, before the DSA took place. The government could have quietly advised these companies it has nothing to do with them but because of the current situation, (it could have) asked them to withdraw.

“Both sides have to be sensitive. It is not a ban, it is not severing the relationship built over time but because of the current situation and position in Malaysia’s foreign policy, such a measure could have been implemented,” said Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar who has served as foreign and defence minister.

Some can accept the government’s position but to the general public, it is a question of practising double standards. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been critical of Israeli aggression and atrocities against Palestinians but the recent event shows that the foreign policy stance is not consistent with Malaysia’s security position.

Then there is a different kind of protest or more appropriate boycott call. Malaysians have been boycotting fast food chains like McDonalds after the Israeli franchiser announced on social media it had donated thousands of free meals to Israeli military.

Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel but anything to do with the regime, especially its treatment against Palestinians, often stirs grief and anger among Muslims.

It is easier for the public to boycott food or products they could hold their hands on . It is an emotive and personal choice.

But boycotting major brands in Malaysia will have unintended consequences to the local economy including undermining Muslims who own or work for these firms, said the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim).

Its director-general, Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil said emotionally-driven boycotts without proper planning could undermine the economy of Muslims themselves. This action also affects the job sector, especially involving local workers.

The question remains, have we arrived at the crossroad where boycotts must be treated as a calculated risk? Things might be different when it comes to matters concerning national interests, vis-a-vis, security.

If it involves food, yes it is a personal choice and some people do it to show solidarity with the Palestinians.

Government on the other hand cannot act based on sentiment like buying defence equipment. It is fine if we do not want to buy from Israeli firms but we can’t disregard other global firms if the deal makes both commercial sense and is strategically important to the country.

We shouldn’t expect the government to simply boycott as there is a larger strategic interest which must be considered.

It is a slippery slope situation.