Uphill battle to get new arms suppliers, says expert

 

Malaysia will find it difficult to get alternative arms suppliers if it stops buying from Lockheed Martin or BAE Systems, say experts. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will have trouble getting new arms suppliers if it decides to stop buying from traditional suppliers Lockheed Martin and MBDA (BAE Systems), according to a defence expert.

Lam Choong Wah of Universiti Malaya said finding viable alternatives to these two arms suppliers will be difficult for a small country such as Malaysia.

“This is unlike the big countries such as China and Russia which even have the option to ban them,” he told FMT.

Lam was commenting on a proposal by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the government immediately shows the two defence contractors the door.

The call was echoed by Bersatu and the pro-Palestine group Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP).

On Monday, Mahathir said the government should immediately expel contractors that supply arms to Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Both companies are participating in the 18th Defence Services Asia and Asia National Security Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur from May 6 to May 9.

In response to Mahathir’s call, defence minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia will not interfere in the ties that global defence companies have with other countries.

Lam said the two companies are crucial not only for Malaysia’s defence infrastructure but also for other pro-Palestine countries.

“Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems are among the largest arms producers in the world and many pro-Palestine countries, including Malaysia, maintain close cooperation with them,” he pointed out.

Lockheed Martin has substantial business in pro-Palestine regions, including the Middle East.

On Aug 23, last year, it sold 24 Black Hawk helicopters to Indonesia and later secured a deal to supply F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. The deal was approved by the US government in January.

A researcher on defence studies, who chose to remain anonymous, told FMT that Lockheed Martin sells arms to any interested party, and not exclusively to Israel.

“Many countries purchase weapons to stockpile their reserves in preparation (for conflicts). Only pro-Palestine countries are likely to participate in the boycott,” he said.

He added that global powers will also continue to support Lockheed Martin. - FMT