MALAYSIA will now procure defence systems exclusively through Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangements, without involving agents or commission-based intermediaries, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed.
In a wide-ranging interview with France 24 aired on 7 July, Anwar said the shift was aimed at ensuring full transparency in military procurement.
“Go directly government to government, and avoid this manner of taking or squandering money through so-called commissions,” he said, adding that discussions had already taken place with France and Italy to explore such arrangements.
The interview, conducted as part of France 24’s ‘Tête-à-tête’ programme hosted by Marc Perelman, also covered a range of geopolitical and domestic issues, including Malaysia’s anti-corruption agenda and its position on key global conflicts.
Responding to suggestions that investigations into former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family were politically motivated, Anwar insisted that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was acting impartially.
“It’s not about whether someone is a former finance minister or prime minister, it doesn’t matter. I believe it is my duty to ensure that this kind of corruption stops.
“Secondly, any funds stolen from the people must be returned. We want to improve our schools, we want to help the poor,” he said.
The Prime Minister had earlier embarked on official visits to Rome and Paris before arriving in Rio de Janeiro on 6 July to attend the BRICS Leaders' Summit.
In the interview, Anwar defended his communication with Hamas leaders, explaining that he had encouraged them to engage in ceasefire talks involving Qatari, Egyptian and American mediation.
“I am not a lackey of some other countries to condemn them and then silent on Israel and allowing Israel to continue with impunity,” he remarked, denouncing what he described as Western double standards in dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Anwar rejected the claim that the Gaza crisis began on 7 October 2023, stating instead that a fair and universal approach to justice must underpin the global response.
“The world is no longer in a colonial era where superpowers can impose their will. Justice must prevail. If it’s ‘no’ for Iran, then it must also be ‘no’ for Israel. Why should there be double standards?” he asked.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Anwar said he had appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin to seek a peaceful resolution.
“As a friend, I advised him to seek some sort of an amicable, peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he said.
Commenting on growing tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, the Prime Minister said he believed both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were committed to avoiding military conflict.
Anwar also addressed criticism over his meeting with Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in April, noting that the engagement had resulted in a one-month ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian assistance “with no discrimination”.
Anwar affirmed that Malaysia’s foreign policy would continue to be anchored in non-alignment and the principles of universal justice.- July 12, 2025
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