Malaysia defence procurement transparency

Defence Procurement Must Reflect Genuine Needs and Expertise, Says Anwar

Our Bureau - : Sep 29, 2025 - : 6:31 pm

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has underscored that Malaysia’s defence procurement must be conducted transparently, prudently, and in line with genuine operational needs, guided by the professional expertise of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). Speaking in his capacity as...

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Speaking in his capacity as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Anwar emphasised that the sequence of procurement priorities should be determined by the armed forces themselves, rather than by external agents, companies, or political interests.

He noted that previous approaches, which lacked professional planning and were often influenced by external parties, had led to serious issues, including major naval procurement scandals and long delays in construction projects.

“This procurement system must be corrected. I am not the one deciding what should be bought; that is the ATM’s expertise. But procurement priorities must be based on real needs and expertise, not dictated by agents, external companies, or politicians,” he stressed.

Largest Defence Allocation in History

Anwar highlighted that the government had allocated the highest-ever budget for the Ministry of Defence this year, placing even greater responsibility on all stakeholders to ensure spending is transparent, accountable, and free from mismanagement.

“This is taxpayers’ money,” he said at the Wira Samudera breakfast event held at the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Region 2 base in Sandakan on Saturday (27 September).

While the precise figure was not disclosed, Malaysia’s 2025 Defence Ministry allocation is reported to exceed RM19 billion (approximately USD 4.05 billion), marking a significant increase from previous years.

The event was attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Vice Admiral Datuk Shamsuddin Ludin, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Accountability and Operational Readiness

The Prime Minister stressed that misappropriation of defence funds must cease, and that financial management must be conducted with prudence.

“In matters of national security, there can be no compromise. Defence assets must always be kept at optimum readiness,” he said.

Anwar added that Malaysia’s military strength, particularly through the acquisition of new ships and aircraft, was not to prepare for war but to safeguard national security and contribute effectively to peacekeeping operations.

He cited the Thailand–Cambodia border tensions as an example where Malaysia’s military demonstrated its strategic acumen and readiness to act swiftly in regional crises.

Honouring Defence Personnel

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to elevating the nation’s defence sector, not only through asset modernisation but also by ensuring the welfare of personnel.

Since the Madani government assumed office, civil servants’ salaries have been revised, with those in the implementing group receiving increases of up to 15 per cent after nearly a decade without any adjustments.

“This is part of our recognition of their service and sacrifice,” Anwar said.