Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the critical importance of conducting national defense asset procurements with full transparency, fiscal prudence, and a focus on well-defined priorities rooted in genuine requirements.
He emphasized that procurement decisions should be guided solely by the armed forces’ actual needs and professional expertise, rather than influenced by outside entities.
In his dual role as finance minister, Anwar highlighted how past deficiencies in needs-based planning and expert input had resulted in significant problems, including high-profile naval procurement scandals and prolonged project delays.
“This procurement system must be reformed,” he stated. “I am not the one determining what assets to acquire—that falls within the armed forces’ domain of expertise.
“Nevertheless, priorities in procurement must stem from authentic needs and specialized knowledge, not from directives by agents, foreign companies, or politicians.
“This year’s budget allocation for the defense ministry marks the highest on record, so it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to ensure expenditures are entirely transparent, appropriately managed, and fully accountable, as these funds come from taxpayers,” Anwar declared during the Wira Samudera breakfast event at the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Region 2 base here today.
Attending the event were Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, Chief of Defence Forces Nizam Jaffar, and Deputy Navy Chief Shamsuddin Ludin.
The prime minister firmly asserted that any misappropriation of funds must cease, with financial oversight exercised meticulously.
He insisted that national security cannot be compromised, stressing the necessity for defense assets to remain in peak operational readiness at all times.
“We aspire for a robust armed forces equipped with modern ships and aircraft,” Anwar said. “I raise this not to advocate for conflict, but to protect our nation’s sovereignty. In peacekeeping missions, should tensions arise, we can respond swiftly—as evidenced by our military’s strategic prowess in the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.”
Anwar affirmed that the government remains committed to advancing and dignifying the defense sector, which includes prioritizing the well-being of military personnel.
