KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry acknowledges that it has been under intense public scrutiny following a series of controversies throughout 2025 and into the beginning of this year, which have raised questions over the credibility of one of the nation’s most important institutions.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry has faced persistent criticism, allegations, reprimands and moral crises that have cast doubt on its standing and authority.
"Among the issues that have attracted widespread attention were cases involving bullying and abuse, allegations of corruption, distasteful hedonistic behaviour, as well as questions surrounding the integrity of the country’s intelligence apparatus," he said in his New Year address at Wisma Perwira on Monday (Jan 12).
He stressed that it could no longer remain in denial, acknowledging that the people and the nation expect the highest standards of integrity and credibility from the ministry and from every military and civilian member within the national defence system, including the Armed Forces.
“Unfortunately, at this point in time, that credibility has begun to erode,” he said, adding that the actions of a small number of individuals had caused the damage to spread, creating a perception that the entire institution had lost its standing.
As a result, Mohamed Khaled noted that the ministry has become the subject of public discussion and debate, often viewed through a negative and sceptical lens — a situation it said was inappropriate for a key national defence agency and unfair to the majority of personnel who serve the country with sincerity and dedication.
"The situation cannot be allowed to continue, adding that in 2026, the ministry and the Armed Forces must be resolute in making crucial adjustments to restore their credibility and standing in the eyes of the public," he said.
