Malaysia rebukes Norway over cancelled missile deal

“When developing nations violate an agreement, they face condemnation and pressure,” he said in his May 31 speech.

“But when powerful countries or their allies do the same, the international response becomes conspicuously muted,” he added, referring to what he deemed as silence on Norway’s unilateral decision which he said sends a dangerous message that some countries are “above scrutiny”.

Speaking to reporters on May 31 after a bilateral meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Tore O. Sandvik, Khaled said Malaysia has expressed its disappointment and regret over the issue.

He said the episode has caused a setback in the two countries’ relationship and the damage done can be repaired only if Malaysia’s payment is refunded.

According to Khaled, there has been no promise to that end.

“This episode will remain a blot in our relationship. The relationship we enjoyed all this while will not be the same again,” Khaled told reporters.

In his speech, Khaled also slammed the global public for what he called “hypocrisy” when it comes to genocide and war crimes, saying: “The same double standards are visible globally where the ongoing genocide, war crimes and violation of international law often receive selective reaction depending on who is involved.”

Malaysia is a vocal supporter of Palestine, and has consistently labelled Israeli settler-colonialism, especially in Gaza, as “genocide and ethnic cleansing”.

“This hypocrisy is profoundly destructive to the legitimacy and credibility of the rules-based international order,” he added.

In the question-and-answer session, a delegate from Indonesia asked whether Khaled’s fellow panellists – Japan Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius – agreed with the Malaysian minister that there is a selective application of international law.

Koizumi did not address the question, while Yesilgoz-Zegerius gave the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example where international law enforcement is crucial.

“It is very important that we make sure that Russia does not win. That is not only very important for our continent, I think (also) for the whole world,” the Netherlands defence minister said.

“It’s also a clear signal that brutal aggression and an unjust war that Putin cannot prevail. I think that is very key for Putin and all others who are seeking conflict in that,” she added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.