MALAYSIA’S long-standing policy of non-alignment continues to enhance its attractiveness as a destination for defence-related investment and international cooperation, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Opening the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre on Monday, Anwar said Malaysia’s neutral foreign policy allows it to maintain constructive relations with all major global powers while avoiding political entanglements that could disrupt commercial decisions.
“Malaysian suppliers enter supply chains without political complications that often make sourcing decisions difficult elsewhere.
In the current situation, that is a genuine commercial consideration,” he said.
He added that Malaysian companies are increasingly becoming embedded in global value chains, supported by government efforts to strengthen the domestic defence industry and improve its competitiveness within international supply networks.
“The foundation of the defence industry being developed by the government is anchored in the ability of local companies to secure and maintain their position in international supply chains, based on the strength of their workmanship, and the discipline required to win and retain contracts,” he said.
Anwar also assured investors that Malaysia would protect intellectual property rights and maintain a stable and predictable regulatory environment for international business.
“Strategic trade controls will be enforced. Contracts will be upheld. The law will apply equally to all parties, without exception,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s role is to provide a stable and conducive framework for investment and commercial activity, while leaving business decisions to the private sector.
“Commercial decisions belong to companies.
“What is our responsibility (as government) is the fundamental quality that underpins those decisions,” he said.
Describing the defence exhibition as a platform for strategic engagement, Anwar said it would bring together stakeholders who may be meeting for the first time to discuss long-term collaboration and emerging solutions.
“We are pleased to host these discussions and we look forward to what will emerge from them,” he said.
The DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 exhibition, themed “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology”, features defence showcases from local and international industry players, alongside forums, contract signings, and exchanges of Letters of Intent (LOI) and Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) documents. - April 20, 2026
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