Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agrees to consider releasing frozen military procurement funds for operational needs, stressing transparency and readiness.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed to consider releasing procurement funds for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Prime Minister conveyed this during a meeting with top defence officials at Wisma Perwira.

Anwar understands the need to maintain military readiness and ongoing operations. He stated that any decision to freeze procurement must be made carefully to avoid affecting preparedness.

“He agreed that such matters can be considered and exempted,” Mohamed Khaled told a press conference after the meeting.

The meeting was held in conjunction with an Ihya’ Ramadan Programme. Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Chief of Defence Force Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman.

On Jan 16, Anwar had directed a temporary freeze on all MAF and police procurement decisions linked to corruption issues. This was until procurement procedures were fully complied with.

The freeze followed controversies involving the armed forces. These included allegations of corruption and abuse of power implicating several former top leaders.

Mohamed Khaled said the Prime Minister also stressed that all procurement processes must be carried out transparently. He expressed support for the Ministry of Defence’s efforts to strengthen governance in procurement.

“The Prime Minister also emphasised that MAF readiness is an absolute necessity in the light of current geopolitical developments, both regionally and globally,” he said.

During the meeting, Anwar also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the welfare of military personnel. This includes the provision of more comfortable housing for them.

 The Sun Malaysia