New defence chief Gen Datuk Malek Razak vows a total clean-up of the Malaysian Armed Forces, focusing on governance, integrity, and procurement issues.
KUALA LUMPUR: New Chief of Defence Force Gen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman has vowed a “total clean-up” of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
He made the pledge at a press conference following his welcoming ceremony as the 24th defence chief.
Malek Razak said the clean-up will focus on governance, integrity, procurement, and financial management.
He stated the MAF will not compromise on any breach of governance principles.
“I, together with all three service branches — navy, army and air force — promise that we are going to do a total clean-up,” he said.
He added that he received several important royal instructions during an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
The King emphasised leadership by example and integrity in service.
“His Majesty decreed that discipline must be upheld as the main pillar safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the nation,” Malek Razak said.
His Majesty also stressed the welfare and morale of MAF personnel.
The new defence chief acknowledged public anxiety over recent developments affecting the force.
“We acknowledge and understand the concerns of the people,” Malek Razak stated.
He described recent events as a wake-up call for MAF management.
He confirmed initial actions have been taken by the Defence Ministry over the past month.
The improvement process will now continue comprehensively under his leadership.
“Alhamdulillah, there is wisdom in what has happened,” he remarked.
He said it teaches the organisation to reflect and reassess to become more stable.
Malek Razak expressed confidence in the MAF’s resilience.
“This is the bounce-back time. We will manage what has happened and move ahead,” he asserted.
He plans to outline a detailed mandate and action plan soon.
The goal is to restore the MAF as a reliable main force and a pillar of public trust.
“Being Chief of Defence Force is not an easy job, especially now,” he admitted.
He expressed confidence in working with the government and Defence Minister to restore public confidence.
Several senior MAF officers have been charged in court recently.
The charges relate to corruption, abuse of power and criminal breach of trust.
