For F/A18 think, i read a oversea article few year back, it said RMAF got re-start procurement for F18 on 2001~2002, but at that time relationship TM(near end as PM) with West country no so good (many blame), US tell to RMAF they can't promise get US congress approval to sell Malaysia 18 F18, event If successfully get US Congress Approval to sell F18 , US only willing sell AIM-9 to RMAF, AIM-120 will not sell to RMAF.  they why TM angry then turn to Russia SU-30 with order 150pcs R-27ER.
(not sure correct or not)

Care to tell us what is Malaysia's fighter jet is lacking of compared to others?

good idea..but M'sia dun like buying refurbished stuff..only like new..