KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry has yet to receive any official reports from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) regarding allegations of the sale of national security information.
This follows the arrests of five armed forces officers for allegedly masterminding the smuggling syndicate involving prohibited goods such as drugs, cigarettes, and other contraband items.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said nevertheless, an internal security audit is currently being conducted to verify the integrity of information systems and the security controls of personnel.
“Any weaknesses identified will be addressed immediately to ensure that national defence is never compromised,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday.
He said this in response to Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) who enquired about the update on the five senior armed officers who were detained by the MACC in August.
Khlir had also requested information on which national security details had been sold and who the external parties were that paid them.
Meanwhile, Khaled said the ministry will not compromise on any misconduct by the officers involved.
“We hope that the authorities will conduct a proper investigation so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.
“If found guilty, strict action will be taken in accordance with the current legal procedures of the Malaysian Armed Forces under the Armed Forces Act 1972, as well as prosecution under applicable civil laws.”
It was previously reported that five armed forces officers, comprising four lieutenant colonels and a captain, were arrested for allegedly masterminding the smuggling syndicate involving prohibited goods such as drugs, cigarettes, and other contraband items.
Initial investigations showed that the five officers, who are the main suspects, allegedly leaked military operational information to smugglers and worked with the syndicate to bring prohibited goods from neighbouring countries into Malaysia.
All five, who were attached with the Intelligence Division, hold the ranks of lieutenant colonel and captain. They were arrested under an operation codenamed as Op Sohor that was launched on Aug 13.
Four of them will be charged for allegedly masterminding a smuggling syndicate involving prohibited goods such as drugs, cigarettes, and other contraband items, while the remaining officer will be referred to the ministry for disciplinary action.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
