MACC will meet MINDEF to discuss governance and corruption issues, focusing on procurement and ongoing probes like Op Parasit and Op Star.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will meet the Ministry of Defence next week to discuss efforts to clean up corruption and governance issues.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the meeting follows a recent commitment expressed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.
He said MACC welcomes and supports the minister’s statement on the need to address corruption and governance weaknesses.
ALSO READ: MACC widens MAF corruption probe to entire defence ministry systems
“MACC will cooperate under Section 7C of the MACC Act 2009, which mandates or authorises MACC to provide advice and also conduct reviews relating to any weaknesses, governance issues and the like,” he said.
A courtesy call on the defence minister and the ministry’s secretary-general next Wednesday will focus on two main matters.
These are discussing current issues and formulating a way forward for a comprehensive clean-up within the Malaysian Armed Forces.
“MACC is ready to assist based on, firstly, the results of our investigations and, secondly, information that we have gathered as well as previous investigations contained in our data,” said Azam.
He added that any weaknesses within MINDEF, especially involving procurement, can be rectified.
Other issues mentioned by the defence minister are internal matters that can be resolved by the ministry itself.
MACC will focus on aspects of corruption, governance and administrative improvements within MINDEF.
“That is our responsibility, not only because I am making a courtesy call, but because it is our duty to assist the government in correcting weaknesses and mistakes,” he said.
Responding to media questions, Azam did not rule out the possibility of more senior military officers being called up.
This relates to two separate investigations known as Op Parasit and Op Star.
“In relation to these two cases, I am not denying that we will call in others who may be involved,” he said.
He explained that when MACC investigates, many other matters will arise.
“We will call them, but not at this time,” he added.
The issues may differ from those currently under investigation.
MACC will focus on the investigations that have already begun, including one initiated on Oct 7 last year.
“After both cases are concluded, we will then begin calling others to give statements or assist in the investigation,” said Azam.
He also stressed that the cases are sensitive as they involve public funds within MINDEF and high-ranking officers.
This makes them among the important cases that need to be resolved swiftly.
Op Parasit refers to allegations of bribery and abuse of power by a former army chief.
It involves transactions of suspicious funds entering several accounts in amounts ranging from RM40,000 to several hundred thousand ringgit.
Investigations have been ongoing since Dec 23, 2025.
Op Star refers to allegations that several senior MAF officers solicited and received bribes from companies.
These relate to procurement supply matters involving the Armed Forces Welfare Fund and MINDEF.
They are also suspected of misusing TKAT funds for personal interests and unrelated activities.
Investigations into the case have been ongoing since Oct 7, 2025. – Bernama
