PM Anwar urges global defence firms to partner with Malaysian manufacturers

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invites global defence primes to collaborate with Malaysia’s high-precision aerospace and manufacturing sector

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for deeper collaboration between global defence industry leaders and Malaysian manufacturers.

Speaking at the opening of Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Exhibition Asia 2026, he highlighted Malaysia’s proven capability in high-value global supply chains.

Anwar stated that Malaysian companies have secured their position in the world’s most demanding commercial supply chains through a culture of precision and accountability.

He emphasised that this same standard is directly applicable to the defence and aerospace sectors.

“To the primes and Tier 1 suppliers here, come and find our manufacturers,” Anwar urged the international audience.

Anwar stated the approach allows the nation to maintain working relationships with all major global partners.

This strategy enables Malaysian suppliers to integrate into global supply chains without geopolitical complications.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Malaysia aims to build a robust defence industrial base.

He emphasised that local companies must earn and retain their positions in international supply chains based on performance and discipline.

The government is committed to ensuring a reliable business environment for this sector.

This commitment includes the protection of intellectual property and enforcement of strategic trade controls.

Anwar also promised equal application of the law to support these industrial ambitions.

“These are the conditions without which none of what I have described this morning is possible and we take that seriously,” he said.

He urged industry to report any governmental friction or enforcement shortcomings directly.

“If something is not working, if the process creates friction where it should not or enforcement falls short, tell us directly. We will act,” Anwar added.

He concurrently highlighted the need for responsible governance of rapidly advancing technologies.

This includes artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities.

Anwar noted that both governments and industry must play a role in this governance.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 exhibition.

The event brings together conventional defence systems and electronic warfare technologies.

It also serves as a platform to strengthen international cooperation through strategic dialogues.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

The exhibition is open exclusively to government officials, industry professionals, and military personnel.

He invited those who have not yet engaged with local industry to consider why their peers have already begun doing so.

The Prime Minister opened the 19th edition of the exhibition, themed ‘Empowering the Capability and Resilience of Technology Miners’.

The event is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and runs until Thursday.