KUALA LUMPUR: No one can interfere in the freeze of defence and security procurements which will only be lifted after a full review is conducted under strict transparency and accountability standards, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said enforcement agencies and the nation’s security forces can no longer carry on with corrupt practices which damage not only the country but also the industry.
“Imagine the expectations of the entire nation placed on one force to safeguard our security, our children, and our future, being undermined by personal interests.
“How can we possibly establish a defence policy and procure the best weapons if we are still driven by personal gain, commissions and accumulated wealth?
“(Therefore) this freeze will continue in the Defence Ministry, and I also want to coordinate it with the Home Ministry, because there are overlaps or other agencies involved,” he said during the launch of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today.
Anwar last week had ordered an immediate freeze on all military and police procurements to restore integrity and ensure full compliance with procedures following recent corruption allegations involving the armed forces.
Anwar in his speech, however, said the freeze does not mean the government intends to interfere in determining the specifications of national weapons supply, which are already within the expertise of the security forces.
“I am not here to decide the types of weapons and equipment required in sequence within our limitations. You (the security forces) determine them, and we carry it out through a transparent and reasonable process, which I believe can be achieved once the new leadership of the armed forces is in place,” he said.
“I will provide full support, including for the DIPN. That is my assurance. The entire Cabinet stands together to restore and strengthen capabilities and also implement the DIPN.”
On the DIPN, Anwar said it does not only play a role in strengthening the defence ecosystem but also in providing local technological self-reliance, empowering networks or the so-called local supply chain, and commercialising research and development (R&D).
“Our focus includes, or begins with, strengthening governance and institutions, which I have always emphasised should start with good governance.
“We have the capability. Tens of billions of ringgit have been spent, but if we are obsessed with commissions and personal wealth, how can we consider the interests of the local industry?
“When we look, for example, at Malaysia’s capabilities compared with many other developing countries in terms of building technological strength and local industry, they have previously been among the weakest. That is why DIPN places emphasis in this area.
“DIPN must be fully supported, whether by government-owned companies, and of course we must provide space for other local companies that demonstrate the capability to be given as much support as possible,” he said.
He added that if there is efficient and capable internal capacity, the industry must move forward to enhance global competitiveness and begin exporting its own products.
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