Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki plans to meet defence minister Khaled Nordin next week to address major leakages in the ministry’s procurement.
Azam pointed to the ranks of military officials under MACC investigation for alleged misuse of asset procurement funds as evidence of the problem’s scale.
“It must be large, and indeed it is,” Azam told Harian Metro.
Welcoming Ministry Reforms
Azam praised Khaled’s recent statement on overhauling the ministry’s anti-corruption plan this year to fight corruption and power abuse.
The minister also committed to reviewing all tenders and procurement for best practices.
“I welcome it. Personally, I have been anticipating such a statement,” Azam said.
He added plans for a courtesy visit to Khaled and the ministry’s chief secretary to delve deeper, possibly next week.
Azam spoke to reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding between MACC and HELP University in Kuala Lumpur today.
Ongoing Military Probes
The armed forces have drawn scrutiny lately through MACC’s investigations.
These include a probe into a senior army officer over misappropriated arms purchase funds.
MACC arrested former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan, poised to lead the armed forces, along with his two wives, to assist inquiries.
The agency is also examining owners of 26 companies tied to military procurement contracts involving a senior army officer.
