Norway’s decision to cancel the approvals caught Kuala Lumpur by surprise with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saying it was “unilateral and unacceptable,” and he objected in a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere.
The decision would have grave consequences for Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and “undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance,” Anwar said.
“Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” he said.
“If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window.” Malaysia’s ships project, launched in 2011, was supposed to supply the navy with five of six planned vessels by 2022 at an initial cost of MYR6 billion ($1.5 billion), but the local shipbuilder tasked with building them failed to deliver.