Sendayan: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for transparency and the elimination of corruption in Malaysia’s defence procurement system. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, highlighted that past military asset procurements have often resulted in excessive profits for companies and agents, leading to national losses and weakened defence capabilities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar pointed out that despite Malaysia’s impressive development and growth, the military procurement system still suffers from weaknesses, as evidenced by the current state of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project. He stressed that procurement should not be an avenue for individuals to accumulate wealth through corrupt practices, which must be halted immediately.

During the opening of the Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd armoured vehicle manufacturing facility, Anwar mentioned that Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is well aware of the issues, particularly those concerning the navy. Anwar expressed disappointment over Malaysia’s inability to showcase a new LCS at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023, attributing this to the high defence spending without corresponding results.

Prime Minister Anwar also voiced his concern over misconduct within defence agencies, referencing the recent arrest of Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). He remarked that while the situation is under control and assurances have been given by the Defence Minister and the Chief of Defence Force, Malaysia cannot overlook the misconduct involving military intelligence.

Anwar instructed enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, MACC, and the Malaysian Armed Forces, to take misconduct seriously and conduct thorough investigations as a deterrent for future occurrences. He expressed confidence in the effectiveness of government-to-government procurement negotiations over using agents, citing reduced costs and added benefits like technology transfer and research opportunities.

The MACC’s recent arrest of 10 individuals, including military officials, suspected of involvement in a smuggling syndicate, underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring a corruption-free defence procurement system.