KLUANG: The Defence Ministry confirms that the freeze on procurement funds for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) assets has been lifted after restructuring measures to ensure there will be no more leakages or misuse of funds, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said all military asset procurements were now proceeding as planned.
"There is no longer any freeze because we have carried out restructuring measures to ensure there are no leakages, misuse of funds and related issues," he told reporters after officiating the MAF Madani Economy Programme at Batu 3 Camp here on Tuesday (May 12).
He has previously said the ministry was discussing the status of the frozen Armed Forces funds with the Finance Ministry to ensure critical operations and preparedness are not affected.
On Jan 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered all procurement decisions involving the Armed Forces and police linked to corruption issues to be temporarily frozen until procurement procedures were fully complied with.
This followed controversies involving alleged corruption and abuse of power linked to several former top Armed Forces leaders.
Meanwhile, on whether the ministry was reviewing procurement matters following the global supply crisis, Mohamed Khaled said this was among the aspects being closely monitored by the ministry.
He said the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) had also requested the ministry to provide proposals on how the country's defence sector could adapt to the global supply crisis and conflicts in the Middle East.
He said the ministry viewed the enhancement of local defence industry capabilities as a key area that needed strengthening.
"For example, we should adopt an asymmetrical warfare approach, which refers to a situation where two countries have vastly unequal military strengths and countries facing such circumstances would usually adopt this strategy.
"This approach involves a country producing local products in large quantities at low cost while possessing the capability to integrate information technology (IT) and electronic systems," he said.
Meanwhile, on the case where a soldier suffered a fractured skull and other injuries in Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Mohamed Khaled said the investigation paper had been submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action.
The victim, Abdul Hamid Talib, 25, from Semporna, who serves with the 22nd Commando Regiment at the camp, is unable to speak and is on breathing support equipment. – Bernama
