Malaysia likely to cancel deal to acquire MD-530G helicopters, surplus M109A5 SPH

An M1095 155mm SPH.

The Malaysian government is said to be poised to cancel two major defense deals the previous administration entered in a few years ago.

These are the acquisition of brand new MD-530G light combat helicopters from MD Helicopters, and transfer of surplus M109A5 Paladin 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers from the US stocks.

Asia Pacific Defense Journal previously reported on irregularities in the deal to acquire six (6) MD-530G helicopters, as the deposit intended for the helicopters were said to have not been paid to MD Helicopters, withholding deliveries that should have started in 2017.

According to Malaysia Defence, the government may have decided not to pursue the deal and cancel the contract.

The same is true for the deal to acquire several surplus M109A5 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers from US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) which was contract signed on April 2018. Malaysia Defence was said to have received the information from an unnamed high ranking official from the Malaysia Armed Forces (MAF)

The current administration of Prime Minister Mahatir Mohammad has been checking every deal entered by the previous administration of former Prime Minister Najib Razak due to issues of corruption and irregularities, leading to cancellation of several deals including those for defense procurement.

[1] Malaysia Defence
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal