Marhalim Abas, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, covers Southeast Asian defense. He has worked as a journalist specializing in Southeast Asia defense and security since 1994, initially with the New Straits Times newspaper.
Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions from Japan for maritime patrol, and fighters including secondhand Boeing F/A-18 Hornets are among the candidates as the Malaysian government seeks to bolster its defense capabilities.
