KUALA LUMPUR: The top leadership of the Armed Forces is expected to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the near future to seek the release of funds for operational expenditure following the government’s temporary freeze on defence procurement imposed last month.
The freeze was ordered in the wake of controversies involving alleged corruption and abuse of power linked to several former senior military leaders.
Newly appointed Armed Forces Chief Jeneral Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman said the appeal would be submitted to the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister.
“I was informed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and the ministry's secretary-general that documentation detailing operational expenditure that should continue and not be frozen is in its final stage of review before being presented to the Prime Minister.
“God willing, within a week, we will submit an appeal to the Prime Minister for at least operational spending to be released so that we can move forward,” he told a press conference after reporting for duty as the 24th Armed Forces chief at Wisma Pertahanan here on Wednesday (Feb 4).
Malek Razak said he was confident the Prime Minister would give due consideration once the necessary justifications were presented, particularly for the most critical components of operational expenditure.
“I believe that with the Prime Minister’s oversight as Finance Minister, and with the justifications we submit, at least the most crucial parts of operational spending will be approved,” he said.
On Jan 16, Anwar ordered an immediate freeze on all military and police procurement decisions to restore integrity and ensure full compliance with procedures, following corruption allegations involving the armed forces.
Addressing the implications of the freeze, Jen Malek Razak said prolonged delays in procurement and operational spending would affect ongoing military activities, although development plans could still be deferred and addressed at a later stage.
“When procurement is frozen or temporarily suspended, it will inevitably affect our operations, whether it is development plans or operational spending that supports routine activities,” he said.
Operational expenditure, he added, covers daily necessities such as food for personnel, fuel, troop movement and transportation.
“Any continued delay could affect overall readiness.
“Our readiness will decline if operational spending remains frozen. This is a serious matter,” he said.
On the scale of funds involved, Malek Rqzaksaid operational expenditure was estimated at about RM2bil for the Army, with approximately RM1.5bil each for the Navy and Air Force.
