The high-ranking officials of the military are anticipated to have a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the coming days to request funding for operational costs due to the recent suspension of defense procurement by the government.
Following controversies related to accusations of corrupt practices and misuse of authority by previous high-ranking military officials, a freeze was implemented. The newly appointed Chief of the Armed Forces, General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, announced that the appeal will be forwarded to the Prime Minister, who also serves as the Finance Minister.
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“I was informed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and the ministry's secretary-general that documentation detailing operational expenditure that should continue and not be frozen is in its final stage of review before being presented to the Prime Minister.
“I believe that with the Prime Minister’s oversight as Finance Minister, and with the justifications we submit, at least the most crucial parts of operational spending will be approved,” he says.
Malek Razak expressed his confidence that the Prime Minister would carefully review the necessary justifications, especially for the most crucial aspects of operational spending.
Earlier last month, Anwar has implemented a sudden halt on all military and police procurement decisions in order to uphold integrity and guarantee strict adherence to protocols, in response to corruption accusations linked to the armed forces.
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“When procurement is frozen or temporarily suspended, it will inevitably affect our operations, whether it is development plans or operational spending that supports routine activities,” he says.
Jen Malek Razak commented on the consequences of the freeze, noting that extended delays in procurement and operational expenditures would impact current military operations. She also mentioned that development initiatives could be postponed and revisited in the future. He mentioned that operational expenses encompass essential daily needs such as provisions for personnel, fuel, troop transportation, and movement.
“Our readiness will decline if operational spending remains frozen. This is a serious matter,” he says.
The amount of funds allocated for operational expenses was stated by Malek Rqzak to be approximately RM2 billion for the Army, and around RM1.5 billion each for the Navy and Air Force.