Anwar warns Europe after Norway pulls a missile-export licence: 'we'll seek alternatives'

Summary

Anwar Ibrahim sharpened a grievance against Europe after Norway revoked the export licence for a Naval Strike Missile system days before delivery, citing tighter controls on sensitive military tech. Malaysia had paid 95% of the contract value; Defence Minister Khaled Nordin put direct losses above RM600m, with indirect costs possibly exceeding RM1bn. Speaking to Russia's RT, Anwar warned that developing nations "will have to seek alternatives" if European states keep treating them unfairly while others stay "muted and silent", and contrasted Oslo's reversal with Moscow having "honoured all commitments" despite sanctions-era payment hurdles. The remarks — and the choice of a Russian outlet — signal Kuala Lumpur tilting its arms and alignment options away from Western suppliers, consistent with Anwar's outreach to Russia.

By the numbers

95% — share of the contract value Malaysia had already paid.
RM600m+ — direct losses cited by the defence minister; RM1bn+ possible indirect.
March — when Norway revoked the licence, days before scheduled delivery.

Why it matters

A cancelled licence after near-full payment hands Anwar a reliability argument to justify diversifying defence procurement toward Russia, China or domestic options — a quiet shift in a hedging Southeast Asian state. Aired on Russian TV, it doubles as a signal to Western capitals that export-control politics carries a strategic cost.

What to watch

Whether Malaysia recovers funds or redirects the contract to a non-Western supplier.
Concrete arms deals with Russia, China or Turkey that follow the rhetoric.
Whether other ASEAN buyers echo the "seek alternatives" line.

Regional takes · 2

▸ Malaysian independent

Free Malaysia Today · Malaysia · en

Reports Anwar's warning that developing nations will seek other partners if Europe treats them unfairly, anchored in the Norway licence cancellation after Malaysia had paid 95% of the contract — framed as a sovereignty-and-reliability grievance.

“Developing nations will not tolerate unfair treatment by Europe, Anwar said, citing Norway's cancelled missile licence after Malaysia paid 95% of the contract.”

Source ↗

Malay Mail · Malaysia · en

Carries Anwar's RT interview in which he contrasts Norway's reversal with Russia having 'honoured all commitments' through sanctions-era payment difficulties — a pointed alignment signal toward Moscow over a Western supplier.

“Anwar said Moscow had honoured all commitments despite payment-system difficulties, while a European supplier reversed a deal Malaysia had nearly paid in full.”

Source ↗