Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin says Mindef takes all corruption complaints seriously but rejects baseless claims that harm MAF’s reputation.
KOTA TINGGI: The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will not tolerate corruption or abuse of power among Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) officers and personnel.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry takes all complaints seriously and will investigate them through proper legal channels.
“We will not compromise on corruption or abuse of power, particularly within Mindef,” he told reporters after a community programme in Kampung Makan.
He added that all complaints would be taken seriously, but accusations without evidence harm the MAF’s credibility and reputation.
Mohamed Khaled said firm action was needed to safeguard the armed forces’ reputation from baseless allegations used for popularity.
His comments follow allegations by activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, or Chegubard, that a senior officer was involved in money laundering.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed an investigation under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 is ongoing.
Mohamed Khaled stated the senior officer had been placed on leave with no authority pending the investigation.
“The investigation is under the MACC and the ministry has yet to receive official information,” he said.
On asset declarations for MAF officers, he said Mindef would consult relevant agencies before appointments to ensure integrity.
