Defence Minister Hishamuddin Hussein has rubbished allegations that there are ulterior motives to Malaysia's involvement in the multinational military exercise organised by Saudi Arabia.

"Anything to do with political spins on this issue I will answer today.

"On allegations that there are other reasons (why we are involved in the exercise), that is not true," Hishammuddin said in a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

Prior to his press conference, Kuala Terengganu MP Raja Kamarul Bahrin said there was no geographical reason why Malaysia should get involved in Operation North Thunder, which mainly involves Arab and African Countries.

He questioned if Malaysia's involvement had anything to do with the RM2.6 billion donation Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak allegedly received from the Saudi royal family.

Raja Kamarul also said that by taking part in the exercise, the government had exposed Malaysia to retaliation from terrorist attacks.

Hishamuddin however said even countries that did not take part in such exercises could become targets.

"Are we going to hide from them (IS)? By other countries not getting involved, did it stop IS from attacking Jakarta?" Hishammuddin asked.

Operation North Thunder is a joint air, ground, and naval exercise.

Among the participating countries besides Malaysia are Chad, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, and Tunisia.

Malaysia's participation had led to speculation of its involvement with the Saudi's anti-terror coalition and a possible assault on IS in Syria.

Hishammuddin has repeatedly denied that Malaysia would get involved in any offensive.