KUALA LUMPUR: A tighter freeze and enhanced scrutiny will be imposed on military and similar security procurement as part of an urgent overhaul aligned with the newly launched Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the freeze on the procurement will continue with the Defence and Home Ministries, as well as other enforcement agencies.
“All procurement must now be assessed within the framework of the DIPN strategy, decided transparently and structured to prevent any possibility of abuse or wrongdoing,” he said in his speech at the launch of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), here on Wednesday (Jan 21).
The Prime Minister said that the policy, unveiled today, was introduced in response to pressing governance concerns and aims to strengthen oversight, accountability and coordination across ministries involved in defence and security procurement.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the process would involve the Finance Ministry, including the Finance Minister II, to ensure financial controls and compliance are fully integrated under the new framework.
“Last week, I announced a freeze on all procurements by the Home and Defence ministries.
"I also informed Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin that all procurements that have been approved but not yet finalised will be reviewed.
"I have asked him to personally oversee the process and bring it to the Finance Ministry, in terms of our financial capacity.
"I want to stress that all procurements are still frozen.
"No one should interfere. Any proposal must go through a more transparent process and be made accountable to the minister and the secretary-general before it is submitted.
"We have a Defence Industry Policy, but I believe it should encompass a dedicated agency or centre that makes decisions in a more transparent and authoritative manner," said Anwar.
He said while the expertise to determine the type of weapons and equipment required falls on to the Defence Ministry, it will still have to go through a strict screening and transparent process.
"I am confident this can be done once it is decided by the new Armed Forces leadership together with the Defence minister, and I will give my full backing and support, including what is outlined under the DIPN.
"That is my assurance. The entire Cabinet stands united in restoring and strengthening capabilities and in implementing the DIPN," added the Prime MInister.
