Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Hypocritical - Allowing Arm Suppliers to Israel to participate in Exhibition in Malaysia? Minister decide not to act - but leaves it to organisers - so different from Good Vibes Festival reaction?

Did Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just on 6/5/2024 officiate an exhibition that had companies that supplied harms to Israel that may have been used to kill/injure Palestinian people and destroy property? Is this an example of Anwar's hypocrisy with regard the Palestinian support and cause?

The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his speech, Anwar urged participants to share their knowledge, to innovate, to exchange new technologies and ideas, and to forge partnerships.

The day before, this issue was highlighted - but Anwar proceeded with the officiating...
A pro-Palestine movement has hit out at the presence of major western defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin at a three-day defence and security exhibition that kicks off tomorrow.The group, Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP), named other companies such as MBDA (BAE Systems), Aim Point, Colt, L3Harris, Leupold, Shield AI, and Leonardo as providing arms to Israel which it said is engaging “in genocide and brutal killings against the Palestinian people”.“How can Malaysia, as a nation that boldly stands in solidarity with Palestine, allow these companies to enter our borders and proudly display their weaponry, that they supply to aid a genocide that is still ongoing?” it said in a statement. 

Malaysia's Home Minister seem to have confirmed the allegations, and said let the organisers deal with it.  Absurd - for the Minister and the government should speedily deal with this...

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will leave it to the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibition organisers to respond to a call to prohibit the participation of vendors supporting Israel."Let the organisers respond to that," he told reporters briefly after attending the opening ceremony of the 18th DSA and Natsec Asia 2024.

How different the treaction when it came to the Good Vibes Festival 

During a concert at the Good Vibes Festival(21-23 # days) in Sepang on 21/7/2023. Singer Matty Healy of the 1975 allegedly spoke out against Malaysia’s laws/policies against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community and allegedly "kissed" his male bandmate in the middle of the show. The Anwar Ibrahim PH-led unity government's reaction - CANCEL THE GOOD VIBES FESTIVAL (2 remaining days).- Good Vibes Scandal? 1975's Matt Healy not arrested or charged? So, no law broken? Cancellation of festival serious consequences?

Here, we have arm suppliers to Israel - which is worse. The government's 1st failure was to allow arm suppliers to Israel to participate in this exhibition. After being aware of the existing of such arm suppliers to Israel, the Prime Minister should have not officiated,  or if he still wanted to officiate, in his speech he could insisted on the immediate removal and exclusion of such arm suppliers to Israel from this exhibition in Malaysia ... 

Home Minister must act immediately and kick-out companies that supply arms to Israel...and even shut down this Exhibition ????

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged the government to order defence contractors that provide arms to Israel, which is currently waging war against Hamas in Gaza, to leave the country immediately...“Allowing them (to participate) makes a mockery of all our efforts in opposing the atrocities committed by Tel Aviv. It’s as though we are colluding with them in spilling the blood of Palestinians,” he said in a post on X. “The government and defence ministry must take stern action and order these companies to leave Malaysia as soon as possible.”

Worse still is that concern that Malaysia may have entered into agreement with companies that supplied arms to Israel. At the present moment, Malaysia SHOULD NOT enter into any agreement with companies that sell or supply arms to Israel..

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the defence ministry is set to seal memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and contracts valued at RM6 billion during the event."We have identified contracts and MoUs worth RM6 billion that will be signed during the exhibition," he stated.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail disclosed that his ministry would be entering into 14 agreements worth RM2.1 billion.

TELL US THAT MALAYSIA IS NOT ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS WITH COMPANIES THAT SUPPLY ARMS TO ISRAEL AT THIS TIME...Full Disclosure.
 
At this time, Malaysians are even boycotting US Brands because of the support given to Israel...Brands that supplied Israeli forces with free food goodies... And, so when Anwar Ibrahim's PH-led coalition fails to immediately kick-out these arm suppliers from the Exhibition in Malaysia, when our Ministries into agreements with such companies...
 
Malaysia must really consider imposing an immediate sanction against all companies that supply arms to Israel - this will also mean no NEW agreements with such companies - immediate closure of such companies offices in Malaysia, etc... Remember the arms they supply may be killing Palestinians...

The 18th edition of DSA (DSA 2024) is taking place from 6–9 May 2024 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur - what will be Malaysians RESPONSE? Interesting to see...



 
 



 
 
 
DSA & NATSEC Asia 2024’s economic impact estimated at RM700 mln

DSA Exhibition & Conferences Sdn Bhd chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin. - BERNAMAPIXDSA Exhibition & Conferences Sdn Bhd chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin. - BERNAMAPIX

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 exhibitions are expected to generate an immediate overall economic impact of around RM700 million.

DSA Exhibition & Conferences Sdn Bhd chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin said 1,324 companies from 60 countries are participating in this year’s DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024, held from May 6-9, taking up 48,000 square metres of exhibition space.

This represents a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous edition, underscoring the escalating global interest and relevance of the DSA series.

“With 34 international pavilions and 588 foreign VIP delegations, DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 promise an unmatched global networking and business opportunity,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 Exhibition here, today.

The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In his speech, Anwar urged participants to share their knowledge, to innovate, to exchange new technologies and ideas, and to forge partnerships.

“We convene not just as representatives of our nations, but as partners in a collective endeavour to address the pressing defence and security-related challenges of our time.

“Your presence here from far and wide is a testament to the joint efforts and the shared responsibilities for securing a safer and more resilient future,” he said.

Anwar said the exhibition provides unique avenues for meaningful dialogues, knowledge exchange, and the forging of partnerships that transcend borders, enhancing collective efforts to address modern defence and security landscapes.

“This should spur our collective resolve to confront and overcome the complexities of modern defence and security landscapes,” he added.

Asmat said the event provides participants and delegates with opportunities to exchange ideas as well as fostering partnerships through conferences, meetings and business engagements.

They will also have the chance to witness and discuss the latest defence and homeland security innovations, technologies, and solutions.

“We have also introduced new elements including the DSA & NATSEC Asia Lab for startups and small enterprises to showcase innovations, and the Future Forces Segment emphasising modern warfare solutions.

“Meanwhile, the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), Drone, and Robotics Pavilion, in collaboration with NAICO Malaysia, highlights capabilities in drone tech, artificial intelligence, and robotics,” he said.

By weaving all these elements together, he said DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 are poised to be the most comprehensive and impactful edition yet, serving as pivotal platforms for forging international defence and security partnerships, facilitating significant industry transactions, and promoting global dialogue and technological advancements.

Additionally, Asmat said the presence of leaders in defence and homeland security is also expected to boost the development of domestic defence industries via collaborations and new investments.

“As we navigate global security complexities, I extend gratitude to all individuals and organisations whose unwavering support has enabled us to gather the brightest minds and innovative technologies under one roof,” he said.

Key international defence and security industry players participating in this year’s events include Airbus Group, BAE Systems, Beretta Defense Technologies BDT, EDGE, Leonardo, MBDA, Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi, SSM (Turkish Industry Association), Tawazun, TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Industries), and Yugoimport. - The Sun, 6/5/2024

Pro-Palestine group protests presence of major defence firms at exhibition

FMT Reporters-

Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin says these companies had provided arms to Israel and should be dropped immediately from the three-day event.


Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin, one of the companies named by the group, is reported to have supplied radar systems to Malaysia. (Malaysia Military pic)

PETALING JAYA: A pro-Palestine movement has hit out at the presence of major western defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin at a three-day defence and security exhibition that kicks off tomorrow.

The group, Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP), named other companies such as MBDA (BAE Systems), Aim Point, Colt, L3Harris, Leupold, Shield AI, and Leonardo as providing arms to Israel which it said is engaging “in genocide and brutal killings against the Palestinian people”.

“How can Malaysia, as a nation that boldly stands in solidarity with Palestine, allow these companies to enter our borders and proudly display their weaponry, that they supply to aid a genocide that is still ongoing?” it said in a statement.

SSP said companies that “contributed to the genocide” should be dropped immediately and urged universities participating in the event to carry out a boycott if the firms are not booted out.

Some of the companies mentioned have previously provided military equipment to Malaysia.

In February, a long-range ground-based radar developed by Lockheed Martin was reportedly installed in East Malaysia, while BAE and Leonardo have a long association with the Malaysian armed forces.

The Defence Services Asia Exhibition and the Asia National Security Exhibition 2024 runs from May 6 to May 9. - FMT, 5/5/2024

Order firms supplying arms to Israel to leave immediately, says Dr M

FMT Reporters-

While Lockheed Martin, and MBDA are regulars at defence exhibitions, the ex-prime minister says the current situation in Palestine is extraordinary.


madey
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said defence firms must know that Malaysia does not tolerate those who support Israel’s actions against the Palestinians.

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged the government to order defence contractors that provide arms to Israel, which is currently waging war against Hamas in Gaza, to leave the country immediately.

While Mahathir acknowledged that firms such as Lockheed Martin, and MBDA (BAE Systems) were regulars at exhibitions, the current situation in Palestine was “extraordinary”.

The two firms are taking part in the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and the Asia National Security Exhibition 2024.

“Allowing them (to participate) makes a mockery of all our efforts in opposing the atrocities committed by Tel Aviv. It’s as though we are colluding with them in spilling the blood of Palestinians,” he said in a post on X.

“The government and defence ministry must take stern action and order these companies to leave Malaysia as soon as possible.”

Mahathir, who has been a vocal critic of Israel, said the other firms that supply arms to Tel Aviv must also be ordered to leave, adding that these companies must be made aware of the fact that Malaysia does not tolerate the genocide against the Palestinians.

Mahathir is the latest to oppose the presence of these companies after pro-Palestine group Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP) and Bersatu voiced similar objections.

Yesterday, SSP also named Aim Point, Colt, L3Harris, Leupold, Shield AI, and Leonardo as providing arms to Israel, saying they have “contributed to the genocide”.

Some of the companies mentioned have previously provided military equipment to Malaysia. - FMT, 6/5/2024

Minister: Let organisers respond to call to prohibit vendors supporting Israel

KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will leave it to the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibition organisers to respond to a call to prohibit the participation of vendors supporting Israel.

"Let the organisers respond to that," he told reporters briefly after attending the opening ceremony of the 18th DSA and Natsec Asia 2024.

He was commenting on a call by a Bersatu leader for the Malaysian government to prohibit participation from two companies allegedly involved in supplying weapons to the Israeli military.

Bersatu's international bureau chief Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah had expressed the party's concern over the involvement of the two companies in the event.

Saifuddin, who is a former foreign minister, added that the involvement of both companies contradicted with the firm stance taken by the Malaysian government and its people who supported and stood in solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people for a long time.

He had said the inclusion of the two vendors would be an attempt to normalise relations with Zionists.

The 18th edition of DSA and Natsec is held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) starting today until May 9.

It saw the participation of over 1,324 companies from 60 countries showcasing their defence and security technologies. - NST, 6/5/2024

Defence and security deals worth RM8.1bil expected at DSA and Natsec Asia 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: A significant array of defence and security deals, totaling RM8.1 billion, are anticipated to be formalised during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions, scheduled from tomorrow till May 9.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the defence ministry is set to seal memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and contracts valued at RM6 billion during the event.

"We have identified contracts and MoUs worth RM6 billion that will be signed during the exhibition," he stated.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail disclosed that his ministry would be entering into 14 agreements worth RM2.1 billion.

At the 17th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia two years ago, the defence ministry sealed 54 defence contracts and MoUs worth RM4.6 billion, while the home ministry concluded one MoU and eight contracts worth RM2.596 billion.

The forthcoming 18th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia 2024 is slated to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).

Highlighting the enhancements in this year's exhibition, Khaled said there was an increase in participation and scale, with a total of 1,324 companies from 60 countries showcasing their defence and security technologies.

"Significantly, 34 countries will have their own pavilions, including Turkiye, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy, and the United States. Additionally, Singapore, UAE, and Iran will be participating for the first time.

"In terms of participation, we will see 400 important delegates from over 50 countries made up of nations' leaders, defence ministers, home ministers and military chiefs," he said at a press conference together with Saifuddin following a walkabout session to witness the final preparations for the exhibitions.

Saifuddin emphasised that the international exhibition and conference would serve as a vital platform for exchanging information on crucial product and system developments relevant to law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders regionally and globally.

He also underscored the importance of better alignment and integration between relevant national and international security and law enforcement agencies, particularly in light of the uncertain security environment.

As part of this effort, Saifuddin announced plans to host a town hall session focusing on cybersecurity. - NST, 5/5/2024

 

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