Changes to armed forces top brass not linked to chopper deal, says Mindef

Summary

• Defence Ministry says changes to armed forces’ top brass are not linked to a RM16 billion helicopter deal.

• The ministry has lodged reports with the police and MCMC on the matter.

• It urges people not to believe everything published on social media as it could create a negative perception of the nation’s security.

The Defence Ministry has dismissed allegations that the rumoured changes to the armed forces top brass are linked to a RM16 billion helicopter deal.

“We dismiss the statement and confirm that the changes to the armed forces' top leadership have nothing to do with the helicopter deal.

“As such, we have lodged reports with the police and Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission so that action can be taken against those who spread fake news,” it said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the armed forces will have a new chief soon.

It was learned that the Armed Forces Council held a meeting last week. It then decided on the next armed forces chief, who will take over from Mohammad Ab Rahman whose contract of service is expiring soon.

A name has been proposed to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who is the armed forces field marshall, for approval.

Social media was also abuzz that the changes involved the top leadership for the army, navy and air force branches.

However, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin dismissed it.

Don’t spread fake news

On that note, the Defence Ministry urged the people not to believe everything published on social media as it could create a negative perception of the nation’s security, which could undermine stability.

“And we must remind the public that spreading fake news is an offence, which can be prosecuted under, among others, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.”

According to MalaysiaNow, the helicopter deal revolves around the government’s plan to spend RM16.5 billion on leasing 28 helicopters for various government agencies.

Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd, a company owned by tycoon Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, signed a 15-year lease agreement with the government to supply Leonardo helicopters for the armed forces, police, firefighters and maritime enforcement, as well as the Prime Minister’s Department.

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