KUALA LUMPUR: The top brass of the Armed Forces is expected to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to seek the release of funds for operational expenditure, says Jeneral Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman.
The newly appointed Armed Forces chief said an appeal would be submitted to Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.
“I was informed by the 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.
“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 his first day of reporting for duty as the 24th Armed Forces chief at Wisma Pertahanan yesterday.
On Jan 16, the government imposed a temporary freeze on all military and police procurement decisions to restore integrity and ensure full compliance with procedures.
The freeze was ordered following controversies involving alleged corruption and abuse of power linked to several former senior military officials.
Jen 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.
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.
Operational expenditure, he added, covers daily necessities such as food for personnel, fuel, troop movement and transportation.
“Our readiness will decline if operational spending remains frozen. This is a serious matter,” he added.
On the scale of funds involved, he said operational expenditure was estimated at about RM2bil for the army, with approximately RM1.5bil each for the navy and air force.
