Ipoh: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded defence and security forces personnel not to misuse their rank or position to commit unlawful acts. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of integrity within the forces while speaking to reporters after officiating the Perak Community Development Department (KEMAS) Santunan Desa Programme.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid expressed his support for Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar’s firm stance against abuse of power. He agreed that decisive actions should be taken against any collusion involving military officers, whether they serve as informants or are directly involved in such activities.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, highlighted that abuse of power could tarnish the image of the country’s defence and security forces. He expressed hope that his remarks would serve as a strong reminder to deter others from engaging in similar misconduct or offences.

Last Wednesday, BERNAMA reported the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s success in dismantling a southern smuggling syndicate. Among those arrested were ten individuals, including three serving and two former senior military officers. These officers are suspected of leaking operational information to aid the syndicate in evading enforcement efforts.