KUALA LUMPUR: Comprehensive reforms will be introduced to restore public confidence in the Defence Ministry, particularly within the Armed Forces. This includes a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, stricter enforcement of discipline, and the use of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance governance and transparency.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised that rebuilding trust was the top priority, stating that credibility is essential for the ministry’s role in both peacetime and wartime.
“Without trust, the ministry would exist in name only, without meaning,” he said during his New Year address at Wisma Perwira on Monday (Jan 12).
He asserted that the military must be seen as the nation’s first and last line of defence in safeguarding sovereignty. “Corruption, or even the perception of it, will no longer be tolerated within the ministry or the Armed Forces. Those who compromise national security will face severe consequences.”
He described corruption as a “cancer” that not only denies Malaysia quality defence assets but also endangers soldiers, causes waste and inefficiency, and weakens the national defence institution's capability. He announced that the ministry’s anti-corruption plan would undergo a significant overhaul this year, with all tender and procurement processes being reviewed and improved to align with best practices.
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The minister called on all personnel to collaborate to eliminate leaks and abuses of power, noting that corruption is an internal threat that can undermine the nation without a single shot being fired.
Regarding governance, he stated that integrity must extend beyond mere words, criticising past initiatives that failed due to weak implementation and enforcement.
“We do not need more plans. We need action—firm, fair, and without persecution,” he emphasised.
He also committed to strict enforcement of military discipline, including an absolute prohibition on bullying, oppression and immoral or hedonistic practices within camps, regardless of how such activities may be categorically described.
Activities considered unethical and contrary to Islamic values have long been banned in all military camps. "Whether it is 'yeye' or 'yaya', it will not be tolerated," he stated.
He insisted that no woman should ever be treated as an object of sexual entertainment in messes or official premises. Those involved in immoral conduct that tarnishes the image of the Armed Forces would face punishment and dismissal in disgrace, he warned, stressing that past warnings have proven to be serious.
The minister also cautioned against the misuse of working hours, whether for leisure activities, loitering at coffee shops, or excessive use of social media, reminding personnel that working time should be dedicated to productive duties appropriate for “warriors of integrity.”
To ensure the effective implementation of these reforms, he outlined three key measures. The first was a nationwide digitalisation program inspired by successful anti-corruption efforts in countries such as Qatar, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Digital systems, he explained, would reduce human interference, prevent manipulation and make processes faster, more transparent and comprehensive.
The second measure involves optimising AI to support procurement and administrative processes, enabling the ministry to track allocations, performance, and efficiency, identify areas at risk of leakages and benchmark costs against comparable countries.
“AI will eventually become the norm across Armed Forces management, including in talent selection, by analysing candidates’ traits and tendencies through data and social media analytics,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled also announced that a board for strengthening integrity and trust would be established to provide a structured, credible internal channel for complaints, concerns, and feedback. He noted that the ministry's strategic importance requires that issues be addressed through trusted mechanisms rather than politicised or trivialised in public forums.
“With effective internal controls, misconduct can be detected and addressed without external interference,” he stated, adding that the board would be led by independent and experienced individuals in good governance.
