KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed to consider allowing the release of procurement funds for the Armed Forces to cover the force’s operational expenditures.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) said the matter was conveyed by Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, during a meeting with the top leadership of the Defence Ministry and the military at Wisma Perwira yesterday.
“The Prime Minister informed us that he understands the need to maintain readiness and ongoing operations, and that any decision to freeze procurement must be made carefully, so as not to ultimately affect operations and preparedness.
“He agreed that such matters can be considered and exempted,” he said after the meeting, held in conjunction with the Ihya’ Ramadan Programme.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Armed Forces Chief Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman.
On Jan 16, Anwar directed that all procurement decisions involving the military and the police that are linked to corruption issues be temporarily frozen until procurement procedures are fully complied with.
The freeze was imposed following controversies involving the armed forces, related to allegations of corruption and abuse of power, implicating several of its former top leaders.
At the same time, Mohamed Khaled said the Prime Minister also stressed that all procurement processes must be carried out transparently, and expressed support for ministry’s efforts to strengthen governance, particularly in the area of procurement.
“The Prime Minister also emphasised that military readiness is an absolute necessity in the light of current geopolitical developments, both regionally and globally,” he said.
He added that during the meeting, Anwar also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the welfare and well-being of military personnel, including the provision of more comfortable housing.
It is learnt that the discussions focused on national security and defence preparedness, strengthening governance, and the welfare of military personnel.
After the meeting, Anwar also attended the Defence Ministry’s Ihya Ramadan programme at the Khalid bin Al-Walid Mosque, and joined the congregants for Zohor prayers before distributing bubur lambuk to those present.
