KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that the defence and security procurement industry has become a hotbed with “songlap and sakau" (embezzlement and misappropriate) culture.
The Prime Minister said that is why the government will be focusing on strengthening governance and oversight of institutions.
"That is why I have always emphasised that we must start with good governance.
"We know that (the issue of) procurement is not a concern only unique to Malaysia.
"For those following developments in the defence industry and procurement, this is one of the areas where ‘songlap and sakau’ is most aggressive," he said in his speech at the launch of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), here on Wednesday (Jan 21).
"That is why, with the assurance provided by the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, we are starting with strong governance and robust management practices," said Anwar.
Anwar added that such practise of giving out commissions that were once tied mainly to political leaders are now spreading to the civil service, the Armed Forces, and enforcement agencies, including Customs and Immigration departments.
He said urgent reforms under the newly launched Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) will tighten oversight and ensure all procurement is transparent and accountable, with the Defence Minister leading the effort.
“Without cleaning the system, we cannot strengthen or elevate our institutions,” Anwar said, stressing the Cabinet’s full support for the reforms to restore integrity and public trust.
