01/06/2026

MONDAY | JUNE 1, 2026

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Missile deal fallout will leave ‘permanent scar’

the best platform, but having control over the capability that supports operations. “The future of Malaysia’s defence must move towards the model of partner globally, build locally and control strategically.” Iruwan said the issue was not a lack of local potential, but whether that potential could be translated into capability that existed in practice, could be used operationally and remained sustainable. However, he said the country could begin by strengthening higher-value areas such as system design, software, AI, command-and control, systems integration, testing, training and sustainment. “The long-term goal is not to produce everything ourselves, but to ensure Malaysia has the knowledge, integration capability and strategic control over critical capability,” added Iruwan. – By Faiz Ruzman He said the unique cultures, languages and customs of the various ethnic groups in the country are invaluable treasures, with this diversity making Malaysia a nation rich in cultural heritage and beauty. Aaron added that every festival celebrated has created opportunities for people to get to know, understand and respect one another. These factors, he added, are the foundation for Malaysia’s continued progress. – Bernama Call to preserve Dayak heritage SIBU: The Dayak community in Sarawak has been reminded to continue preserving the customs, culture and heritage handed down through generations, ensuring they remain alive and are not lost amid rapid modernisation and technological advancement. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Dayak community must keep pace with changing times without losing sight of its cultural roots to ensure continued progress. “Inherited traditions are not just historical relics, but also a heritage that shapes the identity of a nation. “The younger generation should continue to be exposed to language, customs, arts and cultural values to ensure the heritage passed down by their ancestors remains alive and continues to flourish.” According to him, technological, educational and economic progress should be harnessed to document, promote and safeguard cultural heritage for future generations. Aaron, who is also Kanowit MP, said the Gawai Dayak celebration is a meaningful occasion, symbolising gratitude for the harvest, the blessings bestowed upon the people, and the peace and prosperity enjoyed by all. “As an Iban descendant who grew up in a longhouse, the Gawai celebration always brings back fond memories. I still remember the gotong-royong spirit in preparing food, the laughter of relatives returning to the longhouse and the strong family spirit that unites the entire community. “The values of respect for elders and the spirit of sharing the practice of helping one another, which I have learnt since childhood, continue to be my guiding principles in life to this day.”

o Agreement cancellation by Norway inconsistent with long-standing friendship between both countries and strained relations irreparably, says Defence minister

could be exposed when key capabilities depended heavily on foreign export approvals and geopolitical decisions. He said Malaysia should continue working with international original equipment manufacturers, but future deals should leave the country with more than delivery of the finished asset. “Malaysia still needs cooperation with international original equipment manufacturers. However, the country must also build more sovereign capability, especially in integration, software, sustainment, operations and control of critical systems.” Iruwan also stressed that major defence purchases should leave Malaysia with lasting operational and technical control, not merely ownership of the asset. “In modern defence, the advantage is not only about owning to be delivered in March and that the formal cancellation of the export licence was not communicated at the time. “Secondly, the decision was made unilaterally. Thirdly, what does not reflect two countries with good friendship and long relations is that there was no effort to help us recover what we had paid.” Khaled said Malaysia might have continued to regard Norway as a genuine friend if the Norwegian government had taken responsibility by advancing a refund, either in full or in part, before recovering the money from the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS itself. He said Sandvik would bring the matter back to his government, although he was doubtful Malaysia would receive a favourable outcome. “The absence of all this shows that there is no meaning to statements that Malaysia-Norway’s good, long standing relations should continue and be strengthened because what we have gone through will become a permanent scar in Malaysia-Norway relations. It is not possible for it to return to what it was before.” Khaled said Malaysia had sent a notice to sue Kongsberg, adding that Norway could still demonstrate goodwill by helping Malaysia recover the payments made. The issue first came to light on May 14 after Norway revoked export licences for the Kongsberg-made missile system intended for Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme. The setback added pressure on the long-delayed LCS programme, which was signed in 2011 with the first vessel expected to be delivered later this year. On May 16, Khaled had announced that the Defence Ministry had established three committees following Norway’s cancellation of the NSM export licences, covering legal and contractual claims, possible replacement systems and diplomatic engagement.

“I met the Norwegian Defence minister and conveyed honestly and clearly our disappointment and regret because the long, close and good relationship that had existed between Norway and Malaysia has gone through this episode of the naval strike missile cancellation. “The Norwegian Defence minister conveyed his apology, but also stated the basis for the cancellation, which we may accept, whether it is true or fabricated, if they really did not want to proceed or had cancelled the export licence for the NSM.” Khaled said Malaysia’s concerns centred on three issues: late notice, a unilateral decision and the absence of effort by Norway to help Malaysia recover what it had already paid. He said Malaysia was informed in April, while the missile was supposed

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he conveyed Malaysia’s disappointment directly to Sandvik during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore yesterday. He said Malaysia viewed Norway’s handling of the matter as inconsistent with the long-standing friendship between both countries, particularly after Malaysia signed the contract in 2018 and was due to receive the supply this year.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has warned Norway that its cancellation of export licence for the naval strike missile (NSM) system will leave a “permanent scar” in bilateral ties, despite Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik’s apology over the issue. Defence Minister Datuk Seri

Local defence firms need bigger role: CEO PETALING JAYA: Norway’s Khaled shaking hands with Sandvik on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue bilateral meeting, during which he conveyed Malaysia’s disappointment. – AFPPIC

industries did not depend only on policy or intention. They created a clear capability pathway,” he said. His comments came after Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on Saturday that the United States would consider allowing the sale of a replacement NSM system to Malaysia. On May 14, Norway revoked the export licences for the Kongsberg made missile system which was intended for the LCS programme. Project cost rose to RM11.2 billion from the original RM9 billion, despite the number of ships being reduced from six to five. Defence analysts have told theSun earlier that the setback could affect the LCS’ deterrence role, delay full operational readiness and force Malaysia into costly integration work if a replacement weapon is chosen. Iruwan said the Norway export block showed that defence planning

told theSun . Iruwan said local vendors also faced difficulty turning demonstrations into real contracts, as early investment in prototypes, testing and certification often had to be made without guaranteed procurement. “Many local vendors are given opportunities for demonstrations or proof-of-concept, but the pathway from demonstration to actual deployment remains difficult. “The challenge usually involves track record, financing, user confidence, procurement structure and preference for systems that are already established internationally. “For us, the solution is to create a more practical pathway: demonstration, operational trial, limited deployment and scaled procurement. “Countries that succeeded in developing their local defence

revocation of export licences for the Kongsberg naval strike missile system has prompted fresh questions about whether local defence firms have a genuine path into higher value roles in major procurement contracts. Nizra Industries chief executive officer Nik Iruwan Nik Izani said Malaysia had long spoken about localisation, transfer of technology and vendor development, but the challenge remained in execution, continuity and actual outcomes. “Realistically, local vendors are still mostly placed as support suppliers, subcontractors or implementation partners. “Malaysia needs to move towards a model where local companies are given the opportunity to become system developers, system integrators, software owners and sustainment partners,” he