Two more senior military officers expected to be charged next week: Azam

Two more senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces, both with the title “Datuk”, are expected to be charged next week.

Confirming the matter, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the charges are subject to the approval of Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar.

“If the attorney-general agrees, we will proceed with charging two more individuals. However, as of now, the MACC has yet to receive a decision from the attorney-general,” he said at a press conference after the Corruption Awareness: MACC with Eastern Zone Media programme in Kota Bharu, today.

He said the MACC had proposed charges against two more senior armed forces officers, prioritising action against the highest-ranking officers before extending investigations to other parties.

“We are proceeding from the highest level first, before moving on to others,” he said.

Azam said he was assured that a decision from the attorney-general would be obtained in the near future, given that the case is significant and has attracted public attention.

“This is a responsibility that I have fulfilled, and the attorney-general also has a responsibility to discharge. If there are to be no charges, I want an answer immediately. I do not want all parties to be kept waiting,” he said.

Earlier today, Bernama reported that former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with four counts of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities, amounting to more than RM2.12 million.

Hafizuddeain, 58, pleaded not guilty to all four charges after they were read out before judge Azura Alwi.

Probe started in October

Under Op Parasit, MACC detained a senior officer and his two wives on Jan 7, in connection with the procurement of army projects. The following day, the officer was remanded for seven days, while his two wives were remanded for three and six days respectively.

The MACC investigation into the case began on Oct 7, 2025, and is classified as sensitive due to its involvement of high-ranking officers and matters of public interest.

On Dec 23, 2025, a team of MACC officers arrived at the Defence Ministry to conduct preliminary investigations into several army-related projects dating back to 2023.

On Thursday, media reports said that 23 individuals, including two high-ranking officers and four senior Malaysian Armed Forces officers, were detained by the MACC to assist in investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power, involving procurement matters and the use of public funds, as well as claims of receiving bribes from several companies, linked to the procurement of supplies for the Army Welfare Fund and the Defence Ministry.

MACC scrutinising ministries’ procurement

Meanwhile, Azam said the MACC is closely monitoring several ministries for potential procurement irregularities.

He said that the monitoring began at the defence ministry following the openness and support demonstrated by Defence Minister Khaled Nordin.

“There are several ministries on our radar that we see as having procurement-related issues,” he said.

Azam said the commission has deployed four additional integrity officers for a joint exercise with the Defence Ministry to address procurement leaks, an issue that he stressed requires serious attention as it concerns safeguarding public funds.

He reported that further discussions with the defence minister yesterday covered tender and quotation processes, adding that the procurement review will also cover the navy and air force.

“Therefore, it is necessary for both MACC and the ministry to conduct a study, review, and audit. We must sit together to examine leaks and weaknesses in standard operating procedures,” he said.

Azam added that the defence minister agreed to involve relevant experts, including from the National Audit Department, to examine how leaks occur and identify cost-saving methods to ensure all purchases are conducted transparently and with integrity.

He said that the six-month review will begin shortly and clarified that the presence of MACC officers at the Defence Ministry is to examine procurement issues involving spare parts, maintenance, and substantial military assets.

27 K’tan civil servants nabbed since 2023

Meanwhile, MACC has arrested 27 public officials in Kelantan from 2023 to date and recorded 406 reports of offences ranging from accepting and offering bribes, making false claims, and abuse of power.

“Investigations have been opened to conduct enquiries into individuals from various departments and backgrounds, including federal and state-level public officials,” he said during a live broadcast on RTM Kelantan’s Bual Bicara programme today.

“There are NGOs that obtained government assistance but misused it. This also involves cooperatives and companies that received loans but were found to have misappropriated the funds.

“Additionally, procurement issues involving development projects and asset purchases have led to 26 investigations being opened. Procurement is a consistent issue across all states and is a major source of leakage,” he emphasised.

He has also directed MACC officers to be more proactive this year in reducing such cases, including those involving minerals, illegal logging, and unlawful land encroachment.

- Bernama

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