For a fistful of dollars or MUCH MORE? Malaysia's security is being sold of

HAVING had neighbours, schoolmates, relatives and friends in the fraternity, there was this feeling and confidence that it would be the last vocation where corruption would be rife.

Although there was the odd senior official collecting his share of the spoils or "commission" as they would call it, the armed forces – the defenders of our nation would be squeaky clean.

We have heard of the army buying instant noodles at RM3.50 a packet and missing aircraft engines, this time around, it is much more explosive.

It was a wrong perception. And none other than the defence minister has confirmed it. He attributed "corruption and leakages" as some of the causes of continued intrusions in the coastal waters of Sabah.

Let it be categorically said that it would be wrong to assume that the thousands of men and women who defend our country and those who gave life and limb in the defence of the nation are a bunch of crooks. On the contrary, he was certainly referring to a few black sheep within its ranks.

Deciphering and interpreting Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's words at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur was not an easy task.

"The credibility of our personnel, graft and information leakages are issues which need to be studied," he was quoted as saying.

These are telling words indeed. And it is a frightening scenario. Are the defence and sovereignty of our nation being compromised for a fistful of dollars? It smacks of treason more than anything else.

Hishammuddin did not go further. Neither did he offer an explanation as to the manner in which corruption is affecting the defence of our coastal waters. In the absence of these, lesser mortals like Joe Public can only work on assumptions.

Is he saying that our soldiers patrolling the borders and coastal waters are on the take? Or are they using sub-standard arms because some corrupt officials accepted seconds or rejects? Are they closing one eye and allowing intruders to walk freely in and out of Sabah? Are they selling weapons and ammunition?

Are those tasked with planning operations against the intruders selling information?

Joe Public should not be blamed for coming to such conclusions. The next question is: If the weaknesses and culprits have been identified, what is being done?

So, there you go – the last bastion which defends our country is corrupt.

In a confession of sorts, Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said a review with a view to improve its weaknesses and enforcement lapses will be carried out.

"No doubt there are weaknesses. Do not think there are no challenges within ourselves," he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police would conduct an internal investigation following Hishammuddin's statement.

"There have been some allegations against certain security personnel on the matter.

We have started an internal investigation on the allegation and are in the midst of identifying the personnel who are said to be behind the recent coastal breaches within the force," he was quoted as saying.

But why has Hishammuddin come out in public with the announcement instead of turning to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) which is trained and tasked to undertake investigations? Surely, allowing the armed forces and the police to investigate their fellow officers and men would be counter-productive.

Besides, by going public instead of going to the MACC, the crooks have been alerted and they will find time to talk to witnesses and destroy, create or amend documents linked to their illegal dealings.

Understandably, the MACC must have been stung by the revelations and immediately offered to open a branch in Lahad Datu.

Appropriately, the commission said if both the defence and home ministries have proof of the involvement of security personnel in graft, the personnel should be removed immediately to control the situation.

Why it had not been done is certainly cause for concern and the answers can only come from both ministers. If it has already been done, there was no disclosure from either minister.

So, what are their options? Only one – to hand over all the evidence to the MACC so that corruption can be investigated and the crooks brought to book. -Sundaily