Calling for a Royal Commission: Exposing Weaknesses in Malaysia’s Defence Procurement System

I can sense the deep sorrow of the unnamed individual who penned this open letter (scroll all the way down).

Given the gravity of the matter, the Cabinet may well consider convening a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), particularly as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has himself voiced disappointment over recent corruption scandals involving senior armed forces chief-to-be Hafizuddeain Jantan and the indulgent “Yeye Parties” held in officers’ quarters.

The army has been under public radar for some time now, but no government ot defence minister was willing to order a thorough investigation, until the Madani government took over Putrajaya.

Those entrusted with oversight of the armed forces must provide clear explanations, so that systemic weaknesses can be identified and addressed to prevent future recurrence.

Equally, all procurement processes must be scrutinised to close existing loopholes. Even at the time of writing, the MACC, according to Malaysiakini, is “believed to be investigating another senior army officer over alleged procurement irregularities.”

The nation cannot simply forget the scandal of an army aircraft whose engine was traced to a country in South America, nor the controversial purchase of the Scorpene submarines. Despite the public donations raised by C4, what has become of that case? Was any thorough investigation ever conducted to identify those responsible for the Scorpene deal? Had the government back then taken these cases seriously, we would have a better-equipped army today. 

With the current government in place, the people rightfully expect that the “good old days” of impunity are over, and that the long-awaited day of reckoning has finally arrived.

How can the army assure the people that every Sen spent genuinely strengthens national defence against external threats?

If convictions are secured, the harshest sentences should be imposed upon the guilty, serving as a deterrent against future abuses involving millions—if not billions—of public funds.

I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government for standing firmly with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in this matter.

Should the Madani government persist in its efforts and succeed in recovering the siphoned funds, Malaysia will stand as a wealthy nation once more. We pray for the successful recovery of assets currently pursued by the MACC. 

At the same time, it is fitting that the Conference of Malay Rulers withdraw or suspend the honorific titles bestowed upon these individuals, especially there already found guilty, in order to preserve the sanctity of such distinctions.

Read this Open Letter written by a retired armed forces officer:

OPEN LETTER BY A RETIRED OFFICER OF THE MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES

On Integrity, Betrayal of Trust, and the Defence of National Honour

I write this letter not out of malice, but out of profound sorrow and deep concern for the honour of the Malaysian Armed Forces—an institution to which I devoted my service, loyalty, and years of my life.

As a retired officer of the Royal Rangers, I served with pride under the solemn understanding that the Armed Forces exist to defend the nation, uphold the Constitution, and remain loyal to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong above all else. Every commissioned officer is expected to embody integrity, discipline, and self-sacrifice. These are not optional virtues; they are the very foundation of military service.

It is therefore deeply distressing to witness allegations of corruption involving the highest leadership of the Army. Such allegations, if proven, represent not merely individual wrongdoing, but a grave betrayal of Anak-Anak Malaysia, of the men and women who serve under command, and of the King who entrusted that command.

Corruption within the Armed Forces is not a private moral failing. It is a direct threat to national security. It erodes morale, destroys public confidence, compromises operational integrity, and dishonours every soldier who accepted the possibility of death in service to the nation. We signed our lives away so that Malaysia might remain safe; we did not do so to enrich or protect those who abuse power.

Equally troubling are the systemic questions that arise:

How did such conduct escape scrutiny throughout an officer’s rise in rank?

Were proper vetting, discipline, and oversight exercised?

Where was the Armed Forces Council when its duty was to safeguard the integrity of the institution?

These questions must be answered openly and without fear or favour.

Malaysia does not need vengeance. What the nation urgently requires is uncompromising accountability under the rule of law. Any senior officer facing credible allegations of corruption must be immediately suspended, independently investigated, and, if found guilty in a court of law, stripped of rank, honours, privileges, and pension, and punished with sentences that reflect the severity of betraying national defence.

No individual—regardless of rank or past service—should be allowed to stain the uniform or diminish the sacrifices of countless soldiers who served honourably and quietly.

I remain proud of my service and of the many officers and soldiers who continue to serve with integrity. My grief comes from love of the institution, not from hatred of any individual. I speak because silence in the face of such matters would itself be a form of betrayal.

May Allah protect Malaysia, guide those entrusted with authority, and restore honour, discipline, and accountability within our national institutions.

Signed,

A Retired Officer of the Royal Rangers

For the honour of the Armed Forces

For the safety of Malaysia