$12 billion defence contract poses policy challenge for Malaysia's Pakatan government

A Royal Malaysian Air Force fighter jet at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2019 that was held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center. PHOTO: BERNAMA
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

KUALA LUMPUR - Behind-the-scenes lobbying for a new multi-billion-dollar military procurement contract for thirty light combat aircraft for the Malaysian air force is shaping up into a policy challenge for the Pakatan Harapan coalition government.

Long considered a nest for dispensing political patronage, Malaysia's secretive defence complex is undergoing a shakeup as established operators with strong connections to the previous National Front (NF) coalition government face competition from new players seeking a slice of the action.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.