Since the king’s comments were an “ad hoc royal decree” instead of institutional reforms initiated by MINDEF, Lam believes “nothing has changed” since then.
“The latest corruption got exposed because of a whistleblower, not because of internal checks and balances,” Lam noted.
In a rare statement after meeting the newly appointed army chief on Jan 7, Sultan Ibrahim said corruption remains the “biggest enemy” to the MAF’s strength and credibility.
“I also hope that the army will continue to earn the public’s respect and confidence as a professional institution free from corruption,” he said, again criticising the role of “agents” or “middlemen” in MINDEF.
Khaled, who assumed his post in December 2023, said on Monday his ministry will use artificial intelligence (AI) in the procurement process, to help track budget allocations and determine the “true cost” of military assets.
Lam, however, proposed more checks and balances, saying the MAF has lacked oversight “for a long time”.
“I would like to suggest that every arms procurement which exceeds RM100 million should be audited by the National Audit Department and scrutinised by parliament’s Special Select Committee on Security,” he said.
Defence procurement in Malaysia is known to be opaque, with negotiations shrouded in secrecy under the cover of national security.
“These recurring cases point to systemic risks arising from excessive secrecy and weak oversight within institutions entrusted with national security,” Transparency International Malaysia said in a statement after the graft probe was announced.
MISCONDUCT: WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION URGED
Khaled also took aim at viral videos allegedly showing service members engaging in immoral activities in military camps. Some of these clips purportedly showed individuals seated at a bar and a man engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a woman.
The minister stressed that such activities – part of what has been described as a “yeye” or entertainment culture – have always been prohibited, and that no woman should be treated “as a sex object” on camp grounds.
On Monday, Khaled said the investigation into 21 Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel would advance to legal proceedings soon.
Source: CNA
