Malaysia's battle with the European Union (EU) over palm oil is spilling over into the defence industry, with Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu making it part of his considerations in crafting deals with foreign countries.
Mohamad said negotiations are already being made with China, Russia, and Pakistan, to offset the purchase of defence assets with the sale of palm oil.
"Tomorrow I will go to Moscow to meet the (Russian) defence minister. One of the topics of discussion will be this 'barter trade'.
"These countries are ready to talk to us about this barter trade... and if it is accepted by them, I think palm oil prices can be increased in the future," Mohamad said in a group interview at the Defence Ministry today.
"Someone even said they have a jet that can fly on palm oil. That is most likely just to woo us," Mohamad said with a smile. He declined to say who made such a claim.
Last month, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia may consider spiking plans to buy Eurofighter jets and procure China’s fighter planes instead, if the EU bans palm oil imports.
Subsequently, Russian state-owned firm Rostec was reported by the New Straits Times as saying that the country was prepared to boost its purchase of Malaysian palm oil as part of a defence offset package.
During the interview, Mohamad said the government was especially upset with France who is a major procurement partner.
However, he said he had sought to explain to the French that palm oil is not a bad product.
"I told them palm oil is healthy.
"Our prime minister is 94-years-old and consumes a lot of palm oil, that is why he is healthy," Mohamad said with a laugh, adding that this last quip was a joke. - Mkini
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