KUALA LUMPUR: The Russia-Ukraine conflict will not have any drastic impact on procurement and maintenance of the nation's strategic assets, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein(pic).

       The Defence Minister gave this assurance with regard to the maintenance of Russian made aircraft used by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the country's purchase of anti-tank missiles.

       "Even before the conflict began, we already had plans to reduce dependence on Russia.

       "Local company Aerospace Technology System Corporation Sdn Bhd (ATSC) is able to carry out maintenance work on our Sukhoi Su-30 airplanes and has spare parts to last for two years," he said when winding up his ministerial replies in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 16).

       He added that his ministry was looking at alternative sources of technological support from India, which also uses similar aircraft.

       He said the purchase of Russian Metis-M portable anti-tank guided missile systems would not be affected as it was done through private companies.

       Earlier, Hishammuddin noted that Malaysia did not favour imposing unilateral sanctions on Russia, which should be done through the United Nations.

       On a separate matter, he said the relocation of the Indonesian capital to Kalimantan, while bringing economic benefits, could also have some impact on national security.

       This would be in the form of undocumented migrants, wildlife smuggling and cross-border crime, he added.

       He noted that relocating the Indonesian capital would be done in phases and take some time to complete as work would only commence in 2024.

       "This will allow us time to make the necessary preparations.

       "This includes setting up 14 control posts along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border and five in Sabah," he added.

       He assured MPs that he would personally bring up their concerns with his Indonesian counterpart who will be visiting Malaysia on March 28.

       Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said Malaysia's quest for justice in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 would not be swayed by geopolitical influence.

       "It will be based on considerations of justice and not geopolitics," he said.

       He said the issue was discussed by the Cabinet on Wednesday (March 16) morning.