Fact Check: Tun Mahathir Says US ‘Forced’ Malaysia to Buy Boeing Aircraft, Tengku Zafrul Responds

Earlier in March, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced its plan to purchase Boeing aircraft, with an option to add another 30 planes.

In a separate development, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed that Malaysia was “forced” to purchase USD150 billion worth of Boeing aircraft from the United States (US).

Mahathir mohamad

“MAG was not forced to buy Boeing aircraft”

In response to Tun Mahathir’s remarks, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz took to Facebook to clarify once again that the Boeing purchase was made well before former US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Malaysia.

In his video, Tengku Zafrul denied claims that MAG was forced to buy the Boeing aircraft, explaining that the purchase was made simply because “there was a need.” He also pointed out that MAG had ordered Airbus planes from Europe even after the tariffs were announced.

“Even before the tariffs were announced, they had already placed the order. MAG also ordered Airbus planes from Europe after the tariffs were announced. Why is that? Because for certain routes, they also need Airbus aircraft. Different flights and distances require different types of planes,” he explained.

“I hope Tun’s team watches this video this time”

With that in mind, Tengku Zafrul explained that different aircraft were bought to meet different operational needs.

“If MAG was really forced to buy Boeing because of the tariffs, then why did they still buy Airbus planes after the tariffs were announced? They could have just bought more Boeing aircraft instead, maybe that would have reduced the tariffs even further,” he said.

He added that the aircraft purchases were MAG’s own commercial decision, based entirely on operational requirements, not political factors.

“I’ve explained this issue many times, not just in Parliament but also through press conferences and videos. I’m sharing my explanation again here, and I hope this time Tun’s team will watch it,” he added.

You can watch the full video down below:

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: Tengku Zafrul Accused of Dining at “Non-Halal” Chinese Restaurant in Penang, Owner Speaks Out