MELAKA: The government has agreed to expedite the promotion process for Armed Forces and police personnel, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said details of the new mechanism would be announced on the eve of National Day celebrations on Aug 30.
He said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz are finalising the framework.
"Give them a little more time before the official announcement," he said when addressing the 'Semarak Kenegaraan' programme with the Armed Forces at Terendak Camp in Sungai Udang here on Friday (Aug 7).
He said the issue of delayed promotions were raised directly with him during his visit to Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negri Sembilan last month.
Anwar said the government would also continue strengthening the country's defence capabilities through Budget 2027 while ensuring the welfare of military personnel remains a priority.
He said maintaining defence readiness is vital to safeguarding the nation's peace and security.
"We cannot wait until war is declared before we start to act. That is why I also want to ensure the procurement of weapons and military equipment is carried out in a proper, transparent and orderly manner," he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said increased allocations for the defence sector would also be channelled towards improving the welfare of service personnel, including upgrading residential quarters, building new military hospitals and enhancing basic facilities such as water supply.
He said the Defence Ministry's allocation had increased by 35% over the past three years.
"This is not a small increase – what matters is ensuring our equipment is not left in poor condition and that procurement is carried out without controversy," he said.
Anwar said the higher allocation had been made possible by the country's stronger economic performance, supported by a strengthening ringgit, higher foreign investment and controlled inflation.
During the event, he also announced an allocation of RM147,000 for the Armed Forces Wives' Welfare Association as well as RM1mil for the maintenance of mosques and surau at Melaka's Terendak.
