Kuala lumpur: The Defence Ministry is in discussions with the Finance Ministry (MOF) regarding the status of previously frozen procurement funds for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the discussions are aimed at ensuring that critical matters receive immediate attention so that MAF operations and readiness are not affected.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled assured that operations are running smoothly and effectively, and that the readiness of the MAF continues to be maintained. He conveyed this assurance to reporters following the launch of the Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment, Royal Engineer Regiment of the Territorial Army at Menara Prasarana.

The event was also attended by Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Air Force Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group President and Chief Executive Officer Lieutenant Colonel Amir Hamdan.

On January 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim directed that all MAF and Royal Malaysia Police procurement decisions linked to corruption issues be temporarily frozen until procurement processes are fully complied with. This directive followed controversies involving the MAF related to corruption and abuse of power allegations implicating several former top military leaders.

In this regard, Mohamed Khaled stated that the ministry would examine the details of the implementation in line with the prevailing governance framework, financial regulations, and legal provisions.