Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin says talks with finance ministry aim to ensure MAF readiness is unaffected by the procurement freeze
PETALING JAYA: The Defence Ministry is in discussions with the Finance Ministry regarding the status of frozen procurement funds for the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the talks aim to ensure critical matters receive immediate attention so that MAF operations and readiness are not affected.
“Nevertheless, I give my assurance that operations are running smoothly and effectively, and that the readiness of the MAF continues to be maintained,” he told reporters.
He was speaking after launching the Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment at Menara Prasarana.
Mohamed Khaled said the ministry would also examine implementation details in line with the prevailing governance framework and regulations.
The procurement freeze was ordered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 16.
He directed that all MAF and Royal Malaysia Police procurement decisions linked to corruption issues be temporarily halted.
The freeze followed controversies involving the MAF related to corruption and abuse of power allegations.
Several former top military leaders have been implicated in these allegations.