Defence Ministry reports alleged leak of senior armed forces officers’ names and postings, citing security risks and unauthorised disclosure.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defence has lodged a police report over an alleged leak of information involving the names and strategic postings of senior Malaysian Armed Forces officers.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said an internal investigation is also underway following the public disclosure of the information.
He stressed that any decision to appoint personnel to the highest positions must first be deliberated by the Armed Forces Council, which submits recommendations to the King.
“For each position discussed, two or three names will be recommended, not just one,” Mohamed Khaled said.
He explained that the viral information mentions only one name, creating a false impression that a final decision has been made.
Any appointment would only take effect with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Mohamed Khaled said disclosing such information prior to official approval was inappropriate and posed security risks.
“The military does not disclose who commands a particular camp, who is responsible for logistics or artillery units, nor the operational roles of senior officers,” he said.
Revealing the identities, positions, and movements of senior officers could expose critical security details.
“All of this involves security matters. Revealing who these individuals are opens up potential risks which should not occur,” he added.
MINDEF warned it would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals spreading classified or internal government information on social media.
This follows the circulation of speculative narratives and lists of senior officers linked to strategic postings on various platforms.
Such action could be investigated under laws including the Official Secrets Act 1972 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
