Defence Minister says Malaysia-US defence cooperation MoU is non-binding, unrelated to trade agreement, and aligns with neutral foreign policy
KUALA LUMPUR: The memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation between Malaysia and the United States is unrelated to the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed in October.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin clarified that the defence MoU is legally non-binding and had been under negotiation since 2020.
He explained the instrument, signed with the US Department of War on October 30, is an MoU and not a formal agreement.
“The Defence Cooperation MoU focuses on bilateral activities between Malaysia and the United States,” he said in a statement.
It covers capability development, military training, defence science, and other areas agreed through the Malaysia-US Strategic Talk held since 2008.
Mohamed Khaled stated that signing such MoUs is a form of defence diplomacy outlined in the 2019 Defence White Paper.
He noted Malaysia has also signed similar defence cooperation MoUs with China, Japan, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates.
“The signing is consistent with Malaysia’s neutral and non-aligned foreign policy,” he added.
It supports the country’s commitment to the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality declaration signed by ASEAN in 1971.
“The Ministry of Defence appreciates Dr Mahathir’s concern on this matter,” Mohamed Khaled said.
He emphasised the MoU with the US is in the national interest to ensure Malaysia remains safe, sovereign and prosperous.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had earlier claimed the government had not made the full MoU public. – Bernama
