Objection to participation of defence companies named by UN rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories as complicit in genocide in Gaza

To Defence Minister Khaled Nordin and Natsec executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman:

Objection to participation of defence companies named by UN rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories as complicit in genocide in Gaza

This memorandum formally registers a strong objection to the planned or continued participation of certain defence companies (see attached list) in the upcoming security expo, specifically but not limited to those identified by the UN special rapporteur as being complicit in acts constituting genocide in Gaza.

Background

The UN special rapporteur has issued a formal report naming specific defence companies whose weapons, technology, or logistical support have been used in violations of international humanitarian law and the Genocide Convention in the context of military operations in Gaza.

These findings are grounded in documented evidence of civilian casualties, destruction of critical infrastructure, and denial of humanitarian access.

Legal and ethical concerns

International law: Associating with entities implicated in genocide may expose the organisation to legal risks, including reputational damage and potential claims of complicity under universal jurisdiction principles.

UN guidance: The UN has called on member states, companies and institutions to refrain from doing business with or providing platforms to such entities.

Corporate responsibility: Participation in or facilitation of their presence at the expo undermines commitments to human rights due diligence, the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, and our own code of conduct.

Reputational and operational risks

Public backlash: Civil society, human rights organisations, and the media are likely to scrutinise any collaboration with or endorsement of these companies.

Stakeholder relations: Investors, partners, and attendees may withdraw support, and employees may express moral or legal objections.

We strongly urge you to:

• Immediately exclude the named companies from the expo participant list
• Issue a public statement affirming commitment to international law and human rights, and explaining the decision to deny participation
• Establish a vetting mechanism for future events based on UN and other credible human rights findings

Continuing to involve defence companies named by the UN rapporteur as complicit in genocide in Gaza violates ethical obligations, damages Malaysia’s reputation and risks legal consequences. We urge swift action to disassociate your expo from such entities.

Companies listed by UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and BDS that are participating

Company name in the updated DSA 2026 list (31 March) BDS/UN status and involvement

Company: Lockheed Martin Exhibitor No. 1010 (USA, Stand 3700F)

UN Status: Extensively cited by UN human rights experts and the special rapporteur as a primary supplier of military equipment (such as F-35 fighter jets and Hellfire missiles) to the Israeli military

BDS Status: A primary global target for institutional divestment campaigns due to its direct role in arming the Israeli Defense Forces

Company: Leonardo SpA & Leonardo DRS Exhibitor No. 435 (Italy, Stand 7300G)

Subsidiary Leonardo DRS is Exhibitor No. 1007 (USA, Stand 3700D)

UN Status: Named in Albanese’s report for collaborating on militarising heavy machinery (like Caterpillar D9 bulldozers) into remote-controlled weaponry

BDS Status: Targeted as a priority for manufacturing and supplying weapons and military components to Israel

Company: Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD Hyundai) Exhibitors No. 773 & 775 (South Korea, Stand 10320)

Subsidiary Hyundai WIA Corp is No. 777 (Stand 4200D).

UN Status: Identified for supplying heavy machinery utilised in the systematic destruction of Palestinian homes and illegal settlement construction.

BDS Status: Targeted for the same supply of heavy machinery and equipment used in home demolitions

Company: Motorola Solutions Exhibitor No. 573 (Malaysia, Stand 10622) and No. 717 (Singapore)

UN Status: Listed on the UN Human Rights Council database of companies involved in illegal settlements.

BDS Status: A major institutional divestment target for providing surveillance systems, communications technology, and security infrastructure to the IDF and illegal settlements.

Company: L3Harris Technologies Exhibitor No. 1003, 1004, 1005 (USA, Stand 3700F), No. 31 (Australia) and No. 850 (Thailand)

BDS Status: A prominent institutional divestment target for supplying vital components integrated into weapons systems (such as guidance kits for JDAM bombs) used by the Israeli military

Company: Rheinmetall Exhibitor No. 360 (Naval Systems, Germany) and No. 812 (Expal Munitions SAU, Spain, Stand 5250)

BDS status: The German parent company is explicitly named on the BDS priority list for institutional pressure and divestment due to its role in manufacturing weapons and artillery for the Israeli military.

Company: Nammo Exhibitors No. 663 & 664 (Norway, Stand 6319)

BDS status: The Norwegian-Finnish aerospace and defence group is named on the BDS priority target list for institutional divestment, cited as a company implicated in arming the Israeli military

Company: ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) Exhibitor No. 366 (Germany, Stand 6624B)

BDS status: ThyssenKrupp is listed by the BDS movement as a priority military and defence target for institutional divestment due to its supply of naval vessels and submarines to Israel.

20 April 2026

List of NGOs

1. Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia
2. Malaysian Consultative Council Of Islamic Organisations (Mapim)
3. Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP)
4. Gerakan Gabungan Anti-Imperialis (Gegar)
5. Malaysian Protest for Palestine (Mp4P)
6. Aksi
7. Sekolah Merdeka
8. Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra)
9. Rose2Rose
10. Viva Palestina Malaysia
11. Basirah
12. Sekretariat Bantah Trump
13. Buku Jalanan Chow Kit
14. Mandiri
15. Artivists Network
16. Aliran
17. Greenpeace (Malaysia)
18. Cinta Gaza
19. Palestinian Centre of Excellence (Pace)
20. Just
21. Citizens International
22. Accin
23. Palestine Solidarity – Penang
24. Cakna Palestin
25. Gabungan Solidariti Pembebasan Palestin (GSPP)
26. Pertubuhan Agenda Wanita Malaysia (Agenda)
27. Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare)
28. Pertubuhan Mawaddah Malaysia
29. KDMRSM
30. Muslim Volunteer Malaysia
31. Persatuan Intelektual Perlis
32. Haluan
33. Persatuan Akademia Ikram Malaysia
34. Ikram
35. Maqdisiy
36. Persatuan Mantan Profesor Universiti Malaya (PMPUM)
37. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
38. ⁠Undi18

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