JEDDAH: Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) hopes of becoming the first Malaysian club to reach the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite semi-finals were dashed after a narrow 1-2 defeat to defending champions Al-Ahli on Friday (April 17).
On the ground: Mohamed Khaled accompanied by Armed Forces Chief Gen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman visiting exhibits during the walkabout before the opening of DSA and Natsec Asia 2026 at Mitec, Kuala Lumpur.
— AZMAN GHANI/The StarKUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2026 exhibition is taking place against a backdrop of global geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East conflict, says the Defence Minister. Despite the uncertain international climate, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the 19th edition of the defence exhibition will proceed as planned, underscoring Malaysia’s readiness and the resilience of the platform. “This shows that DSA has its own strength. Despite the challenges, we are still able to organise it,” he told reporters yesterday after a walkabout at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ahead of the event’s opening. He said Malaysia continues to position DSA as a neutral and open platform for all countries, including those involved in conflicts, to showcase capabilities and engage in defence diplomacy. “This is a neutral platform where countries involved in conflicts are also present to showcase their products and assets,” he said, adding that the exhibition fosters engagement between defence ministries and armed forces worldwide. “When we organise such events, many representatives from different countries are present. This creates opportunities to strengthen ties, exchange views and build understanding on current challenges.”Mohamed Khaled said the decision was understood in light of logistical and operational constraints. “There is nothing political. Given the situation they are facing, there are difficulties in terms of logistics and related matters,” he said. The DSA and Natsec Asia 2026 exhibition, themed “Empowering Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology”, runs until April 23 at Mitec. It features 1,456 companies from 63 countries and 37 national pavilions, including first-time participation from Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Japan and Russia. Mohamed Khaled said 368 Malaysian companies are taking part, reflecting the growing capabilities of the local defence industry. “We welcome this development as it is in line with the National Defence Industry Policy, which sets a 30% local component requirement, and also demonstrates that many local companies are now ready to offer products to original equipment manufacturers participating in tenders for defence projects,” he said. Mohamed Khaled also stressed that security and stability in the Strait of Malacca remain intact despite global uncertainty, noting that South-East Asia operates in a different strategic context. “What is happening in other regions does not necessarily happen here. We have a different context, history and cooperation mechanisms,” he said, adding that Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore continue to safeguard the vital maritime route.
Malaysia's Readiness Platform Resilience Defence Services Asia Natsec Asia 2026 Geopolitical Tensions Defence Diplomacy Neutrality Iranian Withdrawal National Defence Industry Policy
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