What Happened
Defence Minister Khaled Emphasizes National Security Through Local Capabilities
Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized the importance of defence self-reliance for national security, responding to US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s call for Asian allies to increase defence spending. Malaysia has allocated RM21.7 billion for its Defence Ministry in Budget 2026 and is implementing the National Defence Industry Policy to strengthen its defence industry ecosystem. This move suggests a strategic shift towards greater self-sufficiency in defence capabilities, as reported by NST Online.