KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has said that His Majesty will personally evaluate all military purchases.
The King said that military equipment purchases must be of high quality and fully meet the needs of the Armed Forces and national defence, according to Bernama.
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Sultan Ibrahim also expressed the need for the government to always emphasise honesty in matters that involve the purchase of equipment and the building of military facilities.
Speaking at the Royal Commissioning Parade and presentation of credentials to Malaysian Armed Forces cadet officers at Kem Perdana Sungai Besi on Saturday (Aug 17), His Majesty then said that no corruption or power abuse by officers would be tolerated.
Sultan Ibrahim said that as the supreme leader of the Malaysian Armed Forces, he would not "give face” to any Armed Forces officer involved in corruption or power abuse, nor those who fail to fulfil their duties,
His Majesty stressed that the country's sovereignty and dignity would be compromised if corruption and abuse of power were practised by military officers.
"A career as a military officer demands honesty and trust as well as unwavering sacrifice and loyalty to defend the country's sovereignty. There should never be a military officer involved in corrupt practices, especially involving the purchase of government equipment and contracts," said His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim said this at the Royal Commissioning Parade and Presentation of Certificates to Armed Forces cadet officers at the Sungai Besi Camp here, on Saturday.
The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Armed Forces commander General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Army commander Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Acting Navy commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force commander General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
The King said it was the responsibility of all military officers to maintain discipline at all times, especially when wearing their uniforms.
"Maintain your manners and never engage in dishonourable actions. Do not undermine the community's trust in the military, and let not a rotten apple spoil the whole barrel,” said His Majesty.
To the cadet officers commissioned on Saturday, the King told them that their journey was just beginning as there would be more training and courses they needed to attend to become highly capable military officers.
"My advice is you must be strong and persevere to continue training and gain new knowledge to be able to face the increasingly challenging world and adapt to the latest defence technology.
"If there is anyone who is not willing to face the challenge as a military officer, then please get out of line," said His Majesty.
The 664 cadet officers commissioned on Saturday consisted of those who completed the six-month training at the training academy of the respective wings in the Armed Forces.
