Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Ministry of Defence to conduct a comprehensive review of security protocols to safeguard national sovereignty. Speaking in Parliament, the Prime Minister underscored that matters of national defence afford no compromise, particularly when it comes to breaches within intelligence and enforcement ranks. He stressed his commitment to transparency and accountability, affirming that the government will fully expose any wrongdoing without shielding individuals—regardless of rank—from scrutiny. The arrests stem from Ops Sohor, a targeted corruption probe led by the MACC’s Intelligence Division, which revealed alleged smuggling and intelligence leaks implicating high-ranking officers. Anwar disclosed that this illicit network had been under surveillance since 2020, yet action had been limited under the previous administration—prompting his administration to adopt a zero‑tolerance stance on corruption and security lapses.
The Defence Ministry and Armed Forces have openly pledged their cooperation with investigative authorities, reiterating that no personnel are above the law. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin echoed that the ministry would not tolerate conduct detrimental to national security, while Armed Forces Chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar affirmed that the military would neither conceal information nor hinder the investigations. They promised thorough inquiries, strict disciplinary measures, and regular updates on the proceedings.
To reinforce defence transparency and integrity, the Prime Minister recalled growth in defence spending—from RM 3 billion in 2020 to RM 5 billion in 2024—accompanied by efforts to reform procurement via open tenders and government‑to‑government agreements with countries such as Türkiye and South Korea. This shift aims to curb the influence of intermediaries and curb excessive commissions. Simultaneously, he emphasised investments in bolstering Malaysia’s domestic defence industry, including initiatives in Lumut, Perak, aiming to drive down procurement costs and cultivate a self-reliant defence architecture.
The Prime Minister’s firm stance and institutional reforms send a clear signal: Malaysia will uphold the highest standards in national security, rule out impunity for those who violate it, and pursue a defence sector grounded in transparency, accountability, and strategic resilience.
