MAF under scrutiny as MACC investigates senior officer

SHAH ALAM — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are under scrutiny after allegations of corruption involving senior military officers surfaced.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it has opened a formal investigation under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 after unusual transactions were detected in the bank account of a high-ranking army officer.

The probe was launched following public allegations raised by an activist regarding suspected illicit funds entering the account of the senior military official.

MACC officers were reported to have visited the Defence Ministry to begin preliminary investigations, focusing on Army procurement projects carried out through open tenders and acquisitions under the Army’s Responsibility Centres (PTJ) from 2023 to the present.

Initial reviews of procurement records showed that 158 army projects valued at over RM500,000 were approved between 2023 and 2025, alongside 4,521 smaller projects worth less than RM500,000. Three individuals have been summoned to assist with the investigation.

In response, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has been placed on immediate leave to allow the investigation to proceed without any conflict of interest.

Khaled said this administrative action was taken to ensure the inquiry was fair and unobstructed and that the rule of law is upheld.

The ministry has stated publicly that it will await the outcome of the official investigation before determining further action in relation to the alleged case. The ministry emphasised its full respect for due legal process and its commitment to justice and compliance with the law.

Meanwhile, as part of broader leadership changes within MAF, Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman has been appointed as the new 31st Army Chief, effective from Jan 1, following the postponement of the previous appointment due to the ongoing probe.

This leadership transition is part of efforts to maintain defence readiness and public confidence in the nation’s security forces.