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HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed strong support for the federal government’s decision to review and reassess procurement activities within its agencies, aiming to curb irregularities and ensure transparency in the use of public funds.
The Minister noted that the Home Ministry, alongside the Ministry of Defence, is among the largest recipients of the annual federal budget, with each ministry allocated roughly RM20 billion a year.
He said the government’s directive would be referred to the Home Ministry’s Chief Secretary to examine previously approved procurement under the Supply Bill.
“I view this as a reset, particularly given recent concerns over misuse. The Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry are two of the largest ministries, each receiving an annual budget of RM20 billion,” Saifuddin said during a press conference following the official opening of the Padang Serai People’s Service Centre last night.
“Given the scale, aside from operational expenditure, there are significant developmental outlays, especially those involving contracts, projects, and tenders for procurement such as aircraft, ships, and IT systems,” he added.
Saifuddin explained that each ministry has its own procurement committee responsible for determining which tenders are opened to suppliers. All acquisitions, he said, must comply with the requirements and specifications set by the relevant government agency.
“For instance, if procurement involves the National Registration Department as the user, specifications are drawn up accordingly. If the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) requires new motorcycles, then PDRM will prepare the specifications,” he said.
“We welcome this directive because it aligns with the Prime Minister’s repeated calls to prevent misuse, uphold sound governance practices, and ensure procurement systems are accountable. Every sen of public money must be responsibly managed,” he emphasised.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all procurement decisions related to the military, police, and associated agencies linked to corruption concerns would be temporarily frozen.
The move, he explained, allows for a thorough review and restructuring to ensure full compliance with procurement procedures and to eliminate any elements of corruption. - January 17, 2026