Corruption Could Undermine National Security : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned that corruption not only weakens government governance but also has the potential to cripple the country’s defense system and betray the trust placed by the people in the government.

Speaking at the launch of the National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP), Anwar said corrupt practices make it extremely difficult for the government and the Ministry of Defence to formulate sound defense policies and secure the best procurement outcomes, particularly when initiatives related to public interest and national security are influenced by personal gain and commission-driven motives.

He noted that the defense industry is among the sectors most vulnerable to misappropriation and abuse if it is not regulated by strict, transparent, and integrity-driven governance systems.

The prime minister stressed that the NDIP is not solely aimed at strengthening industrial capabilities but also at offering renewed hope for the nation’s future. However, he said its implementation must be firmly grounded in integrity and good governance.

Anwar added that addressing corruption and abuse of power is crucial to ensuring continued national security and maintaining public confidence in the country’s defense framework.