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THE Retired Armed Forces Officers Corps (RAFOC) has called for a thorough, independent and professional investigation into allegations of suspicious financial transactions involving a senior officer of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
RAFOC president Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Aziz Ibrahim said the matter strikes at the core of integrity and trust bestowed upon senior military leaders by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the people.
“If the allegations regarding suspicious financial transactions within a responsibility centre (PTJ) project are true, it would constitute a major betrayal of the welfare of subordinate personnel and national security.
“Every ringgit lost to corruption is a reduction in resources for equipment and training for our frontline forces,” he said in a statement today.
At the same time, Abdul Aziz stressed that the seriousness of the allegations necessitated full respect for due process and the principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Second, these allegations are extremely serious, and the principle of justice of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and the legal process under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Armed Forces Act 1972 must be fully respected,” he said.
He said investigations must be conducted independently and professionally, free from external interference, to ensure the truth is fully uncovered.
Abdul Aziz added that full cooperation from the leadership of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the relevant ministry was essential to preserve the integrity of the national procurement system, ensuring it is not tainted by personal interests or outside influence.
“Every officer is subject to strict integrity standards under the Armed Forces Regulations (Terms of Service for the Regular Forces) 2013, which empower the Armed Forces Council to terminate service or impose compulsory retirement on any officer on grounds of misconduct or in the interest of the service.
“While civil legal processes must be respected, the administrative instruments within these regulations allow firm action to be taken to protect the dignity of the organisation.
“This includes re-alignment of rank and the withdrawal of certain benefits, to ensure that officers who fail to uphold their trust do not continue to tarnish the sanctity of the institution and to ensure accountability in the management of entrusted public funds,” he said.
Abdul Aziz cautioned, however, that the incident should not be seen as a reflection of the Malaysian Armed Forces as a whole, noting that the institution comprises hundreds of thousands of personnel who serve with honesty and courage.
He said corrective measures and stronger governance mechanisms must be implemented immediately to close any loopholes that allow misconduct in administration.
“This investigation must serve as a stern reminder to all officers that rank comes with greater moral responsibility, and integrity is a dignity that cannot be bought or sold,” he said.
Earlier, Harian Metro reported that the Ministry of Defence is taking seriously allegations of money laundering involving a senior Malaysian Armed Forces officer that have been reported to the authorities. - December 25, 2025
