KUALA LUMPUR, July 2, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today delivered a strong rebuke of Norway’s decision to revoke the export license for Naval Strike Missile (NSM) systems to Malaysia, framing the move as part of a broader global trend where power and narrow interests override principles and selective application of international law.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said the world is witnessing a decline in the values that have long underpinned international relations. He argued that “strength and domination are increasingly overriding truth,” with narrow interests trampling principles and international law being applied selectively “according to the comfort and convenience of certain powers.”
Malaysia had contracted in 2018 for the NSM anti-ship missiles and launcher components from Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for its littoral combat ship program. The country had paid approximately 95% of the €124 million (around RM572 million) contract value. Norway revoked the export licenses earlier this year, citing “security considerations.”
Anwar questioned the rationale: “What security considerations? You think we are selling these missiles to Al-Qaeda?” He described the unilateral cancellation — after Malaysia had fulfilled its obligations — as an unacceptable way to treat a strategic partner and said Malaysia is seeking compensation of about RM1 billion through contractual provisions.
Anwar confirmed he received clarification from United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the US was not involved in, nor did it influence, Norway’s decision. He noted that the US itself continues to sell weapons to Malaysia.
On the European front, Anwar said he wrote to several EU leaders about the incident. He received supportive responses from French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and leaders from Germany, who indicated that Norway’s stance does not represent the position of the European Union. Anwar stressed that the episode would not damage Malaysia’s overall relations with the EU.
In a detailed statement shared on social media, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to a principled, independent foreign policy. He said Malaysia will not compromise its principles and will remain firm in defending peace, rejecting domination and imperialism, and standing with the oppressed.
“Justice cannot be seasonal, and human dignity cannot be measured by the scales of geopolitics,” he wrote.
Malaysia’s approach, he added, is based on freedom, firmness, and wisdom. The country will not align itself with any power bloc and believes friendship should be founded on mutual respect rather than domination.
He highlighted ASEAN’s role as a vital platform for regional justice through dialogue and consensus-building in an increasingly fragmented world. Malaysia will also continue expanding cooperation with countries in the Global South while strengthening existing partnerships.
Anwar concluded that Malaysia’s diplomacy aims to create opportunities for its people, elevate national dignity, and ensure the country moves forward with confidence — principled with reason, bold without haste, and firm without losing courtesy and humanity.
The remarks come amid ongoing efforts by Malaysia to recover funds and explore alternative defence procurement options following the Norwegian decision.
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