PUTRAJAYA, 15 January 2026 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has allocated at least 40 investigators to intensify investigations into alleged corruption and fund misuse involving senior military officers, reflecting the seriousness and scale of the probe against high-ranking personnel, officials confirmed.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the probe, believed to be codenamed Operation Star, involves multiple senior officers suspected of improper conduct linked to military procurement and financial irregularities and has been underway since late 2025, with investigators actively gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The involvement of senior figures underscores the broad scope of the investigation, which has prompted the anti-graft agency to dedicate significant manpower to ensure a thorough review of potential offences and accountability. The heightened resources also reflect the ongoing pursuit of corruption cases that cross institutional boundaries and involve complex financial trails.
Previous related developments include MACC questioning a senior Malaysian Armed Forces officer about alleged misuse of funds and efforts to finalise statements and refer cases for prosecution. In some instances, prosecutors and investigators have indicated that charges could follow once inquiries are completed.
The probe into military procurement has included allegations that companies and individuals may have engaged in bribery and collusion around government contracts for defence supplies, a matter that triggered wider public and legal attention late last year when multiple contractors were identified in preliminary investigations.
MACC’s intensified focus demonstrates a commitment to tackling corruption involving senior public officials, a priority echoed by authorities amid broader efforts to uphold transparency and strengthen governance within all sectors, including defence.
As the investigations proceed, MACC is expected to complete its inquiries and refer recommended charges to the Deputy Public Prosecutor once sufficient evidence has been compiled, although specific timelines have not been disclosed.
