PM tells politicians, agents to stay away from military deals

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reminded politicians and foreign agents not to get involved in decisions regarding the procurement of military assets.

He said professional decisions when it comes to acquiring assets such as aircraft, vessels, weapons, and others must be made by the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“When there is a decision, bring it to the Finance Ministry and we will initiate direct negotiations with the parties involved,” he said in his speech at a meet-and-greet session with the Royal Malaysian Airforce (RMAF) fraternity at the Butterworth RMAF base today. 

Anwar (above) said the national defence policy must prioritise adequate preparedness, adding that the military is currently not on par with neighbouring countries as old assets are still in use.

This, he said, was due to the previous policy of not leaving assets acquisition up to the military, which resulted in leakages due to the high commissions involved.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said the government will focus on the construction of homes for civil servants, including the military, as well as repair existing homes starting next year.

“However, if there are excess funds, the government will expedite the repairs for homes that urgently need them,” he said.

The event today was also attended by RMAF Butterworth base commander Brig-Gen Khairol Muzambi Salehin, RMAF Commander of Air Education and Training Lieutenant General Zahani Zainal Abidin, as well as some 700 members of the base fraternity. 

Anwar also presented contributions to students who achieved excellent results in SPM 2022 and patients with chronic illnesses at the event.

- Bernama

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