Defence Ministry lifts MAF procurement fund freeze after anti-leakage measures

“KLUANG, May 12 — The Defence Ministry (MINDEF) has confirmed that the freeze on procurement funds for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) assets has been lifted following restructuring measures implemented to ensure there are no issues involving leakages or misuse of funds. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said all military asset procurement matters were now proceeding as planned. “There is no longer any freeze because we have carried out restructuring measures that can ensure there are no leakages, misuse of funds and related issues,” he told reporters after officiating the MAF Madani Economy Programme at Batu 3 Camp here today. Previously, he said Mindef was discussing the status of the frozen MAF procurement funds with the Finance Ministry to ensure critical operations and preparedness were not affected. On January 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered all procurement decisions involving the MAF and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) linked to corruption issues to be temporarily frozen until procurement procedures were fully complied with. The freeze followed controversies involving alleged corruption and abuse of power linked to several former top MAF leaders. Meanwhile, on whether Mindef was reviewing procurement matters following the global supply crisis, Mohamed Khaled said this was among the aspects being closely monitored by the ministry. He said the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) had also requested Mindef to provide proposals on how the country’s defence sector could adapt to the global supply crisis and conflicts in West Asia. In this regard, he said the ministry viewed the enhancement of local defence industry capabilities as one of the key areas that needed to be strengthened through an asymmetrical warfare approach. “For example, we should adopt an asymmetrical warfare approach, which refers to a situation where two countries have vastly unequal military strengths, and countries facing such circumstances would usually adopt this strategy. “This approach involves a country producing local products in large quantities at low cost while possessing the capability to integrate information technology (IT) and electronic systems,” he said. Meanwhile, on the case involving a soldier who suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull, in an incident at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Mohamed Khaled said the investigation paper had been submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action by the relevant authorities. It was reported that the victim, Abdul Hamid Talib, 25, from Semporna, who serves with the 22nd Commando Regiment at the camp, is unable to speak and currently relies on breathing support equipment. — Bernama

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