Prime minister says contracts are solemn instruments, 'not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner'.
In a strongly worded statement on X, Anwar said Malaysia had faithfully honoured every obligation under the contract since 2018.
“Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith,” he said.
He added that signed contracts were solemn instruments, “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 said.
Anwar also said he had made it plain to his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Store, that the decision to revoke the licence would 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.
Yesterday, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil expressed regret over Norway’s decision to cancel the export permit for a series of missiles to Malaysia.
He said the decision prevented a Norwegian supplier from proceeding with the delivery as agreed.
He said Putrajaya was now engaging in diplomatic efforts with its counterparts in Oslo and studying possible legal action.
Defence minister Khaled Nordin said on Tuesday he would meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month to seek clarification over Oslo’s decision to halt NSM exports.
Khaled said the missiles, meant to equip the navy’s LCS as well as KD Lekiu and KD Jebat, were supposed to be delivered in March, and that Norway halted the export licence days before delivery.
The missile manufacturer, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said the procurement contract worth 124 million euros (RM571.9 million) was signed in April 2018 to equip six new LCS. - FMT
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