Baroness Goldie Champions UK-Malaysia Defence Ties
UK Defence Minister Baroness Goldie has hailed the longstanding defence partnership between Britain and Malaysia during a high-profile visit to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Top-Level Talks in Kuala Lumpur
On 28 March, Baroness Goldie met Malaysia’s Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. She congratulated him on his recent appointment and they discussed boosting bilateral defence cooperation through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
The two ministers reinforced the UK’s commitment to the region, highlighting Britain’s Integrated Review Refresh and the role of the AUKUS security pact in promoting Indo-Pacific stability.
Five Power Defence Arrangements: A Legacy of Security
The FPDA, marking its 52nd year, ties together Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK in a mission to secure the Indo-Pacific region. Founded in 1971, this defence alliance remains vital for regional peace.
Baroness Goldie also visited the FPDA’s military HQ at RMAF Butterworth in Penang, meeting UK personnel and sharing ambitions to deepen cooperation.
Honouring the Fallen and Strengthening Partnerships
After touring the HQIADS base, the Baroness laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Taiping to honour those lost in service. The CWGC tirelessly maintains war graves worldwide, preserving the memory of fallen heroes.
Baroness Goldie also visited Sapura Group alongside their UK partner TriCIS to discuss cyber communications and security—a key area for future collaboration.
Baroness Goldie said: “I am delighted to have visited Malaysia and have the great privilege to meet Malaysia Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. During my visit we discussed our strong defence partnership and the ambition for the UK and Malaysia to collaborate further in support of regional peace and security.”
The visit underscores the UK’s enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific as it seeks to strengthen defence ties and promote peace across the region.
