The Defence Ministry has confirmed that the freeze on procurement funds for armed forces assets has been lifted following restructuring measures implemented to ensure there are no issues involving leakages or misuse of funds.
Defence Minister Khaled Nordin said all military asset procurement matters were now proceeding as planned.
“There is no longer any freeze because we have carried out restructuring measures that can ensure there are no leakages, misuse of funds and related issues,” he told reporters after officiating the forces’ Madani Economy Programme at Batu 3 Camp today.
Previously, he said the Defence Ministry discussed the status of the frozen armed forces procurement funds with the Finance Ministry to ensure critical operations and preparedness were not affected.
On Jan 16, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered all procurement decisions involving the armed forces and the police - linked to corruption issues - be temporarily frozen until procedures were fully complied with.
The freeze followed controversies involving alleged corruption and abuse of power linked to several former top armed forces leaders.
Adapting amid global supply crisis
On whether the ministry was reviewing procurement matters following the global supply crisis, Khaled said this was among the aspects the ministry is closely monitoring.
He said the National Economic Action Council 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 West Asia.
In this regard, he said the ministry viewed the enhancement of local defence industry capabilities as one of the key areas that needed to be strengthened through an asymmetrical warfare approach.
“This 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 and electronic systems,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the case involving a soldier who suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull, in an incident at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Khaled said the investigation paper had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action by the relevant authorities.
It was reported that the victim, Abdul Hamid Talib, 25, from Semporna, who serves with the 22nd Commando Regiment at the camp, is unable to speak and relies on breathing support equipment.
- Bernama
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