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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to conduct a comprehensive review of all national security protocols following the arrest of five senior Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officers, including individuals from the Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO).
According to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, a full report on the matter is to be presented to the Cabinet once the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) concludes its investigation.
“The Prime Minister has raised concerns regarding the arrest of MDIO officers, where the MACC conducted a raid, seized a sum of money, and detained several individuals,” Fahmi said during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing.
“The Cabinet was informed that two of the individuals arrested are officers from MDIO. The Prime Minister expressed concern about the potential security implications of the incident, and MINDEF will provide a complete report to the Cabinet once the MACC’s investigation is completed,” he added.
Fahmi, who also serves as the Unity Government spokesperson, confirmed that both MINDEF and the ATM have pledged to conduct internal investigations following the conclusion of the anti-graft commission’s probe.
“As the Chief of Defence Forces has stated, once MACC completes its investigation, the military will initiate its own inquiry. We must allow the MACC investigation to proceed without interference,” he said.
“Simultaneously, the Prime Minister has instructed MINDEF to thoroughly examine national security aspects to ensure they remain uncompromised,” Fahmi continued.
The matter will be examined in detail by the Ministry of Defence, followed by the relevant investigations by both the MACC and the Armed Forces.
Earlier reports indicated that five high-ranking military officers were arrested for allegedly leaking operational information to smugglers and colluding with criminal syndicates.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Defence to submit a full investigation report to the Cabinet following the crash of a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet, which was completely destroyed in an incident on Tuesday night.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the matter was raised during today’s Cabinet meeting, with the Prime Minister requesting an update from Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“The Prime Minister asked the Minister of Defence to provide an update and status on the ongoing investigation into the F/A-18D Hornet accident in Kuantan that occurred last night,” Fahmi told reporters during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
“The investigation will be carried out and presented to the Cabinet once it is completed,” he added.
Fahmi, who also serves as spokesperson for the Unity Government, said the Cabinet expressed relief that both aircrew members involved in the crash had survived.
“The Minister of Defence informed the Cabinet that, thankfully, both pilots are safe,” he said.
Earlier, RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris confirmed that the aircraft’s 34-year-old pilot, holding the rank of Major, and the 28-year-old weapons systems officer, a Captain, managed to eject safely before the fighter jet exploded and crashed.
The incident took place at Kuantan Air Base at approximately 9.05pm.
Both officers were treated at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) and discharged at around 2.00am today. - August 22, 2025