Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has voiced concerns over the arrests of two officers from the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO), highlighting potential risks to national security.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil revealed that Anwar raised the issue during today’s Cabinet meeting, following the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) detention of five senior officers, including the two MDIO personnel, and five civilians in a recent operation.
“The Ministry of Defence will submit a comprehensive report to the Cabinet once the MACC concludes its investigation,” Fahmi stated at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference in Putrajaya. “Thereafter, the military will conduct its own inquiry, and we will await those findings.”
Fahmi added that Anwar also instructed Defence Minister Khaled Nordin to brief the Cabinet on the FA-18D Hornet fighter jet crash in Kuantan, Pahang, which occurred last night.
“The minister confirmed that both pilots are safe, and an investigation is underway. The results will be presented to the Cabinet upon completion,” Fahmi said. “As this is a separate matter from the MACC probe, it must proceed independently without interference.”
Anwar further directed the Defence Ministry to ensure that national security remains uncompromised throughout these developments.
Assemblies Outside Parliament to Continue
Fahmi noted that Anwar reaffirmed the right to hold assemblies in front of Parliament, despite Padang Merbok being designated as an official assembly site.
“The priority is to manage access routes to prevent delays for MPs and others entering or exiting Parliament,” Fahmi explained. “Additionally, the prime minister has instructed the Federal Territories Minister, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, to review the fencing around Padang Merbok and implement improvements to enhance public access to the field.”
Anti-Bullying Tribunal Needs Further Review
Regarding the proposed anti-bullying tribunal, Fahmi said Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said requested additional time to prepare documentation before presenting the matter to the Cabinet again.
Fahmi also highlighted Cabinet discussions on bullying in schools and higher education institutions, emphasizing the need for collaboration among the Education Ministry, Defence Ministry, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), the Attorney-General’s Chambers, police, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
While the Education Minister has yet to provide specific updates on anti-bullying measures, Fahmi noted that a retreat involving relevant ministries will soon be held to develop coordinated standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address bullying more effectively.
