The government has pledged to crack down on corruption and misbehaviour in the defence sector following recent scandals.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim launched the National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP) aimed at restoring trust, strengthening governance and institutions in the sector and building more local industrial capability.
“As we all know, when it comes to defence, it’s been a place for ‘songlap’ (embezzlement) and ‘sakau’ (stealing), where corruption in the defence sector was not merely a financial issue, but a direct threat to national security,” he said, as reported by news outlet Malay Mail.
Anwar said the policy was long overdue in light of recent scandals, although the integrity of the vast majority of personnel remained intact.
Earlier, he had announced that all procurement decisions by the Malaysian armed forces and the police linked to the MACC’s probe would be temporarily frozen until they fully comply with related rules.
Anwar also said the government would also review all other procurement decisions that have been approved or are yet to be concluded.
At the opening of the current session of Parliament on Monday, Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had called for an “all-out” fight against corruption, stressing that efforts must not only focus on bribe-takers, but also related parties including those offering bribes or acting in collusion.
Malaysia Defence Minister Khaled Nordin also slammed recent scandals involving the armed forces, promising a review of its tender and procurement processes and an overhaul to its anti-corruption measures.
“Corruption is a cancer that prevents us from competing as a mid‑level power,” Khaled had said, noting that immoral activities in military camps and an ongoing graft probe into procurement contracts have dragged his ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces’ reputation through the mud.
Analysts have suggested tougher punishment for misconduct and parliamentary oversight for large arms purchases following the recent scandals in the armed forces.
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