Malaysia Oversight

Cabinet briefed on armed forces procurement scandal, Defence Minister to issue statement tomorrow

By NST in January 11, 2026 – Reading time 2 minute
Cabinet briefed on armed forces procurement scandal, Defence Minister to issue statement tomorrow


BANGI: The cabinet was briefed today on the procurement scandal involving senior officers of the armed forces, Communications Minister Datuk Fadzil said.

said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin will issue a statement tomorrow regarding developments in the matter.

“On the armed forces procurement issue, we were informed earlier that the defence minister will make a statement tomorrow,” he said at a press conference after the conclusion of the 2025 madani government retreat here today.

The programme was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and other cabinet ministers.

Also present were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the chief ministers and menteris besar of the unity government, except Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Earlier today, it was reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has summoned a senior officer from the armed forces to assist in an ongoing investigation into alleged misuse of funds. (hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1354534/updated-macc-summons-top-military-officer-over-alleged-misuse-funds)

The officer arrived at the MACC headquarters in at 11am today to give his statement.

It was also reported that the MACC on Jan 7 had arrested former army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives to facilitate investigations into alleged irregularities in military procurement tenders. (hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1352788/former-army-chief-two-wives-remanded-graft-probe)

Meanwhile, said today’s retreat also reviewed, in general, controversial issues affecting the country, many of which require the government’s immediate attention for clarification and resolution.

“We looked at the issues as a whole, not focusing on a single matter but generally. It is important for leadership,especially members of the cabinet administration, to ensure accurate information about any matter is conveyed promptly,rather than waiting until an issue creates misconceptions.

“Experiences from several controversial cases were raised as lessons, and I believe based on the discussions, cabinet members understand what needs to be done to ensure each issue is handled thoroughly.

“So, we did not discuss a single issue in excessive detail, but we focused on the principles of how to address these issues and problems,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd



Source link