The prominent German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch (H&K) said it will no longer sell its products to countries that are considered corrupt or undemocratic.

In addition, it said, it would limit its sales to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) and European Union (EU) member states and its “equivalents”, such as Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

“Heckler & Koch does not intend to generate new business with countries outside Nato’s sphere of influence; only so-called ‘green countries’ should be served, ie those that are democratic, not corrupt and either Nato states or their equivalents,” it said in the official English translation of its 2016 annual report published earlier this year.

Malaysia will be among the countries excluded by the criteria.

H&K manufactures a wide variety of small arms, such as the MP5 submachine gun that has been the staple firearm for law enforcement units worldwide, including use in the Malaysian police’s patrol cars, at roadblocks and by sentries.

One MP5 was used in the fatal shooting of the 15-year old Aminulrasyid Amzah following a police car chase in 2010...