Making vague but surprising, frightening or shocking political statements in the mass media seems to have become a fashion or pastime for some retired military men of rank in Malaysia.

On Feb 3 this year, retired army lieutenant-general, Zaini Mohamad Said was quoted by a Malay-language daily Mingguan Malaysia as warning that if the issue of water supply between Malaysia and Singapore is not resolved properly, it may ignite a military conflict.

Zaini also opined that the close ties between the people of the two Asean-member countries were insufficient to prevent a military conflict.

However, he said: "(A) military conflict must be avoided because it will only hurt both countries".

The public statement, although made by a retired army officer, caused grave concern not only in Singapore, but in the international community as well.

On Sunday, the former admiral of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Abu Bakar Jamal told another Malay-language newspaper Berita Minggu about an attempt to unseat the government.

He alleged that in 1999, groups or individuals claiming to be supporters of the reformasi movement sent letters and email to him and other military leaders, attempting to obtain the support of the armed forces to "overthrow the government".