Anwar said Malaysia’s ability to maintain working relationships across major partners gave suppliers an edge at a time when geopolitics was complicating global sourcing decisions.
“A Malaysian supplier enters your supply chain without the political complications that have made sourcing decisions so difficult elsewhere.
“In the current environment, that is a genuine commercial consideration,” he said in his opening remarks at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (Natsec) Exhibition 2026.
Anwar added that Malaysia continued to draw investor confidence despite global conditions – including the war in the Middle East – reshaping markets, pushing up energy prices, and driving capital away from some economies.
“Global funds bought over US$2 billion in Malaysian bonds, the highest inflow in 10 months. The ringgit has been Asia’s best-performing currency for two consecutive years. Our economy grew 5.25% last year.
“Malaysia has also attracted record levels of investment, driven by manufacturing, semiconductors, and aerospace,” he said.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said these gains did not come without effort but were the result of policy reforms and sustained engagement with firms and fund managers.
The prime minister added that one Malaysian-owned defence firm had achieved Tier 1 supplier status with a leading global aero-engine manufacturer.
He did not name the company but was likely referring to UMW Aerospace, the only home-grown company to become a Tier 1 supplier.
Anwar also sought to reassure industry players regarding the government’s role, saying intellectual property would be protected “promptly and reliably”, while strategic trade controls would be enforced and contracts would hold.
“The law will apply to everyone in the same way, without exception. If something is not working, if the process creates friction where it should not, or enforcement falls short, tell us directly. We will act,” he added.
Now in its 19th edition, DSA and Natsec 2026 will run from April 20 to 23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, bringing together 1,456 defence and security firms from 63 countries.