KOTA TINGGI: Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin says General Datuk Malek Razak will help restore the image and integrity of the Armed Forces amid growing public scrutiny over governance and procurement issues.
Congratulating Gen Malek Razak on his appointment as the new Armed Forces Chief, the Defence Minister said he assumed the role at a challenging time.
"The Armed Forces is facing significant challenges and one of his key priorities, together with the ministry, will be to restore the image and reputation of the Armed Forces," he said after officiating the ministry's Kampung Angkat Madani programme held at Pantai Teluk Mahkota here on Saturday (Jan 31).
The Kota Tinggi MP added that this could only be achieved through strong cooperation and understanding across all leadership levels within the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces.
"Beyond ensuring operational readiness and the ability to carry out defence and security operations, there must also be a firm emphasis on integrity," he said.
Addressing concerns over alleged misconduct and corruption involving the defence sector, Mohamed Khaled said reforms would focus not only on individuals but also on systems and processes.
Among the measures being implemented is a dedicated unit to handle complaints and oversight matters within the ministry and the Armed Forces.
Mohamed Khaled said digitalisation would allow better monitoring of procurement activities at various levels, enabling authorities to detect irregularities such as repeated contract awards to the same companies.
"Through digitalisation, we can also identify companies that may be linked through common ownership, which helps improve transparency," he said.
Mohamed Khaled acknowledged calls for the establishment of an independent body to monitor defence procurement but reiterated that continuous system improvements remain the ministry's priority.
On the Kampung Angkat Madani programme, Mohamed Khaled said it reflects the Malaysia Madani vision of promoting social justice and wellbeing, particularly for communities located far from centres of administration.
