Malaysia protesters urge defense exhibition to expel Western arms suppliers to Israel

People gathered in Malaysia's capital Tuesday urge the government to expel “murderous arms dealers” that supply weapons to Israel from a defense exhibition this week.

But the government said Tuesday it doesn't meddle in the business dealings of any global company.

More than 1,300 companies from 60 nations are participating in the Defense Services Asia and a concurrent National Security Asia exhibitions that started Monday in Kuala Lumpur.

The event is hosted and co-organized by the Defense Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry.

The Solidarity for Palestinian coalition held a brief rally Tuesday outside the exhibition center to protest the presence of U.S. weapons maker Lockheed Martin, European missile manufacturer MBDA and others that provided arms to Israel during the ongoing war with Hamas.

They said it was also inconsistent with Malaysia's strong support of the Palestinian cause and insensitive to the many Malaysians who oppose the ongoing conflict that has killed more. than 34,500 Palestinians.

Officials have said the exhibition gives space to industry players to display the latest defense technology, and help countries bolster their defense preparedness.

Many Islamic countries are participating including Turkey, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Pakistan, as well as Asian defense players, the official said.