KUALA LUMPUR: The United States government is not involved in the decision over companies taking part as vendors in the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024.
US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said there were also no formal communication from those protesting the participation of companies accused of supporting the the conflict in Gaza.
"They (protestors) have not contacted us directly.
"I also noticed that it wasn't just American companies they criticised. Their criticism was also directed at a variety of international companies.
"I think that Malaysia has put together a very impressive show," he said when met during the exhibition here today.
He added that the exhibition has a global reputation and it is well known as it brings together critical global players.
"This (deciding who participates) is something the US government has no part in. This (participation) is something that is done at the invitation of Malaysia."
Kagan was commenting on a statement by a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leader who called for the Malaysian government to prohibit the participation of two companies allegedly involved in supplying weapons to the Israeli military.
Bersatu international bureau chief Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah had expressed the party's concern over the involvement of the two companies in the event.
The 18th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia 2024 held from today until May 9 will see a total of 1,324 companies from 60 countries showcasing their defence and security technologies.