Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim 

We write to you with the utmost respect and appreciation for your principled leadership and your consistent and courageous stance in support of the Palestinian people, as well as your public condemnation of states and corporations that continue to supply weapons contributing to civilian suffering in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 
In this spirit, and with deep respect for Malaysia’s longstanding commitment to justice, human rights, and international law, we respectfully request the Government of Malaysia to review and reconsider the defence and aerospace agreements and contractual engagements with Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy). 
Our request is motivated by serious ethical, legal, and reputational considerations that appear to be in tension with the values and principles that Your Excellency has publicly articulated and championed. 
1. Leonardo S.p.A.’s Documented Links to Israel’s Military Industry 
Leonardo S.p.A. is among the world’s major defense contractors and maintains extensive technological, industrial, and research partnerships with Israel’s military sector. Publicly available information and civil society documentation indicate that: 
• Leonardo has collaborated for over a decade with Israeli defense companies, including Rafael and Elbit Systems, and has supplied avionics, targeting systems, drones, and software technologies used in military operations. 
• Leonardo acquired the Israeli radar company RADA Electronic Industries in 2022 and now operates RADA facilities in Israel, contributing to systems integrated into Israeli armored vehicles deployed in Gaza. 
• Leonardo naval cannons (formerly Oto Melara) have been mounted on Israeli naval vessels used in operations affecting Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. 
• Leonardo has continued to provide logistical and technical support for Israeli aircraft systems following the escalation of hostilities in October 2023. Moreover, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories has stated that European arms manufacturers, including Leonardo, have shifted from a “war economy” to a “genocide economy,” where demand for weapons 
is directly linked to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. 
2. Ethical and Legal Implications for Malaysia 
Your Excellency has rightly and publicly condemned the continued supply of weapons that contribute to civilian casualties and humanitarian devastation. In this context, maintaining significant contractual relationships with a corporation deeply integrated into Israel’s 
military-industrial complex may: 
• Create an indirect financial linkage between Malaysian public funds and 
corporations supplying military technologies used in Gaza; 
• Risk undermining Malaysia’s moral and diplomatic position on Palestine, which has earned global respect and credibility; 
• Expose Malaysia to ethical and reputational scrutiny within international human rights communities and civil society networks. 
We also respectfully note that the funds allocated to these contracts are derived from Malaysian public finances. In this regard, it may be appropriate for the Government to consider the sentiments of the Malaysian public, who have consistently demonstrated strong solidarity with the Palestinian people and concern over any perceived complicity in 
the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Taking public opinion into account would further strengthen Malaysia’s democratic tradition, social cohesion, and moral leadership on the international stage. 
3. Evidence of Domestic and International Opposition to Leonardo’s Role 
Concerns regarding Leonardo’s involvement in Israel’s military sector are not confined to external observers. Within Italy and internationally: 
• Workers in Leonardo facilities have reportedly protested against the company’s involvement in arms supplies, stating their unwillingness to “earn money stained with blood.” 
• Legal complaints have reportedly been filed by Italian lawyers, academics, and public figures alleging complicity in international crimes. 
• Several governments worldwide have reconsidered or suspended arms contracts linked to Israel on ethical and legal grounds, demonstrating that such decisions are both feasible and consistent with international norms. 
4. Strategic and Reputational Considerations for Malaysia 
Malaysia has long positioned itself as a principled leader of the Global South and a steadfast advocate for Palestinian self-determination. A transparent review of contracts with Leonardo S.p.A. would: 
• Align Malaysia’s procurement policy with its stated foreign policy and ethical commitments; 
• Strengthen Malaysia’s credibility in international forums on human rights, international humanitarian law, and South–South solidarity; 
• Send a powerful signal that economic and defense cooperation will not override humanitarian principles and the rule of law. 

In light of the above, we respectfully request that the Government of Malaysia: 
1. Conduct a transparent governmental and, where appropriate, parliamentary review of contractual engagements with Leonardo S.p.A.; 
2. Assess the company’s links to Israel’s military operations and any potential implications under international humanitarian and human rights law; 
3. Consider suspending, restructuring, or conditioning cooperation until ethical compliance and accountability are assured. 
Your Excellency, this letter is submitted in the spirit of constructive dialogue and sincere respect for Malaysia’s leadership and moral voice on the Palestinian issue. Our intention is not to challenge Malaysia’s sovereign defense requirements, but to encourage coherence 
between policy, ethics, and Malaysia’s proud tradition of standing with oppressed peoples. 

We thank you for your attention and for your continued leadership in defending justice, dignity, and international law.