Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said the decision prevented a Norwegian supplier from proceeding with the delivery as agreed.
He said Putrajaya is now engaging in diplomatic efforts with its counterparts in Oslo and studying possible legal action.
“The Malaysian government cannot accept the reasons given by the Norwegian government,” he said at today’s post-Cabinet meeting press conference.
“The nation’s defence plans cannot be compromised under any circumstances.”
Defence minister Khaled Nordin said yesterday he would meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month to seek clarification over Oslo’s decision to halt exports of naval strike missiles (NSM) to Malaysia.
Khaled said the missiles, meant to equip the navy’s littoral combat ships as well as KD Lekiu and KD Jebat, were supposed to be delivered in March before Norway halted the export licence days before delivery.
The missile manufacturer, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said the 124 million euros (RM571.9 million) procurement contract was signed in April 2018 to equip six new littoral combat ships.
Cabinet condemns Nik Zawawi’s remarks
On a separate matter, Fahmi said the Cabinet “strongly condemned” PAS MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh’s controversial remarks about the companions of Prophet Muhammad.
Noting that the response on social media to Nik Zawawi’s comments has been “very heated”, Fahmi said the Cabinet has been informed that several police reports have been lodged against the PAS MP.
“The statement by the Pasir Puteh MP cannot be accepted,” he said.
“We leave it to the authorities, especially the relevant religious council or department, to investigate the matter.”
The controversy erupted after a clip of Nik Zawawi’s speech in Kuala Terengganu went viral, with claims that he had made inaccurate remarks about the backgrounds of several companions of the Prophet before Islam.
Earlier today, Nik Zawawi apologised for his comments and insisted that he had no intention of insulting or degrading the Prophet’s companions.