Can strategic partnerships still be trusted? Khaled Nordin questions international agreements after Norway missile cancellation

SINGAPORE, May 31 — Malaysia has raised concerns over what it described as the growing practice of double standards in the enforcement of international law, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Speaking at the sixth plenary session of the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 today, the minister said violations of the international law are frequently met with inconsistent and selective reactions depending on those involved.

He said international law is often treated as something that exists only on paper, observed strictly by countries of the global majority, but selectively interpreted by stronger powers whenever convenient.

Citing developments around the world, he said the same double standards are visible globally, where the ongoing genocide, war crimes, and violations of international law often receive selective reactions depending on who is involved.

“Institutions — such as the United Nations — established to uphold stability, multilateralism, and international law, are becoming increasingly weakened in the face of geopolitical rivalry.

“When developing nations violate agreements, they face condemnation and pressure, but when powerful countries or their allies do the same, the international response becomes conspicuously muted,” he said during his address on “Managing Regional Tensions Amid Global Competition” at Shangri-La Singapore today.

According to Mohamed Khaled, Malaysia deeply regrets Norway’s decision to cancel the export of the Naval Strike Missile system intended for Malaysia.

He noted that the silence surrounding Norway’s unilateral decision was particularly telling as little concern had been raised regarding the integrity of contracts or accountability.

He added that the deafening silence from Western nations sends a dangerous message, that some countries are simply above scrutiny.

“Norway’s action has created more than just a bilateral contract dispute.

“It raises a deeply troubling question about whether international agreements and strategic partnerships can still be trusted at all,” he said. — Bernama

المصدر: Malay Mail