KUALA LUMPUR: All Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) procurement decisions linked to corruption are temporarily shelved pending full compliance with procurement procedures, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the government, through the relevant ministries, will review and restructure all procurement processes to ensure transparency within the existing system.
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"I thank Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin for his very clear statement on this matter.
"We take this seriously, and I will await reports on any loopholes or weaknesses in the current procurement system so that we can review and restructure it to ensure full compliance," he told the media after prayers at the Usamah Bin Zaid Mosque in Wangsa Maju here on Friday (Jan 16).
The Defence Ministry was previously reported to be planning a major overhaul of its anti-corruption plan this year, including a comprehensive review of tender and procurement processes in line with best governance practices.
The move aims to curb leakages, irregularities and abuse of power that could undermine the credibility of national defence institutions.
On Jan 7, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested a former Army chief and his two wives over an army procurement project, and seized assets worth RM11.4mil following raids at a residence in Kuala Lumpur and another in Besut, Terengganu.
Elaborating, Anwar said MACC's firm and comprehensive action would ensure the public does not bear negative consequences, including risks to the country's economic progress.
He stressed that, alongside the MACC, the government has also given full latitude to the Inland Revenue Board to act in safeguarding national interests, stressing that the success of such efforts requires strong political will and broad public cooperation.
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The Prime Minister said as a matter of policy, the government does not interfere in investigations, but he also stressed deep concern over developments in corruption cases that demand firm and comprehensive action by enforcement agencies.
"We are deeply troubled by these developments, and without decisive, across-the-board action, the people's economy will suffer serious consequences," he said.
Anwar emphasised that public understanding of anti-corruption efforts must be strengthened, noting that despite enforcement action, some quarters continue to downplay the seriousness of corruption.
"There are voices that defend such actions, even in Parliament. When action is taken against former ministers with billions in wealth, objections are sometimes raised and challenges made.
"Such a destructive and corrosive culture must be corrected immediately," he said. – Bernama
