Malaysia Army Chief Steps Aside as MACC Expands Probe into Defence Procurement

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27: The Chief of Army, Jen Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, has been placed on leave with immediate effect to facilitate ongoing investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into allegations linked to military procurement projects.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the decision was made to ensure that investigators are able to carry out their duties without obstruction or any potential conflict of interest. He stressed that the move is purely administrative and intended to preserve the integrity and transparency of the investigative process.

“The Chief of Army will remain on leave until the investigations are completed, allowing authorities the necessary space to conduct their inquiries,” the minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Following the recent retirement of Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain has been appointed as the Acting Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The MACC probe centers on several army-related procurement projects spanning from 2023 to the present. As part of the investigation, three individuals have already been called in to provide statements.

Anti-graft officers have also recorded a statement from activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, widely known as Chegubard, after receiving a formal complaint. In addition, MACC personnel were deployed to the Defence Ministry on Dec 23 to begin preliminary examinations of the projects under scrutiny.

Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing and further actions will be taken in accordance with the findings.