PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that national defence procurement must be grounded in actual military requirements and professional expertise—not influenced by external agents, companies or political figures.
Speaking at the Wira Samudera breakfast event at the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Region 2 base in Sandakan, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said: “This procurement system must be corrected. I am not the one deciding what should be bought; that is ATM’s expertise. But procurement priorities must be based on real needs and expertise, not dictated by agents, external companies or politicians.”
He stressed that the country’s defence budget—now at its highest ever allocation—must be managed with full transparency and accountability, adding, “This is taxpayers’ money. Everyone is responsible for ensuring the spending is proper and justifiable.”
Anwar noted that past procurement models, which often bypassed need-based planning and lacked professional oversight, had led to several high-profile scandals and costly project delays—particularly in naval acquisitions.
The Prime Minister made clear that in matters of national defence, there could be no tolerance for waste or misappropriation.
“The practice of misappropriating funds must stop,” he said. “Financial management must be conducted prudently. In security matters, there can be no compromise.”
Anwar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) remain equipped with modern and effective defence assets.
“We want the ATM to be strong, with new ships and new aircraft,” he said. “This is not about preparing for war, but to secure peace. When tensions arise, such as the Thailand-Cambodia issue, our forces must be ready to act immediately. That is true strategic preparedness.”
He also highlighted the administration’s wider commitment to those serving in the defence sector, including improvements to welfare and remuneration.
“Since the MADANI government took office, civil servants’ salaries have been increased—up to 15 per cent for those in the implementing group, after nearly a decade without a salary review,” he said.
Also present at the event were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief of Defence Force Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Vice Admiral Datuk Shamsuddin Ludin.
PM urges calm as probe into Zara Qairina’s death continues
Earlier, Anwar called on the public to allow due process to take its course in the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, a Form One student whose case has sparked national outcry, particularly in Sabah.
Addressing a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) rally in Sandakan last night, Anwar emphasised that the government has "taken all necessary steps" to ensure justice is served, including appointing senior police officers and initiating an inquest into the case.
"We have no reason to be angry at the public for speaking out. There were problems, there were shortcomings in the early stages of the investigation," he acknowledged.
"But we’ve done everything possible — the top police officials and CID officers have taken over, and an inquest has been launched. But let’s not rush to judgement. There is no decision yet. Let the law take its course. This is a country governed by the rule of law, not the law of the jungle where anyone can hurl accusations — that someone is corrupt, or someone is a murderer," Anwar said.
The prime minister’s remarks come amid growing frustration in Sabah over perceived mishandling of the case in its initial stages. Zara Qairina’s death has ignited widespread concern and demands for transparency, with critics accusing authorities of dragging their feet.
Also present at the PKR event were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Higher Education Minister and Sabah PKR Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and other senior party leaders.
Anwar, who is also PKR President, said he understands Sabahans’ anger stems from a deep desire to see the state governed effectively and justly.
"As Prime Minister, I will not allow anyone — regardless of title — to escape justice if found guilty. One of our children has died. This isn’t about protecting anyone. Accusing me — PMX — won’t help," he said.
He added that the Cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, had reached a consensus that the case must be thoroughly investigated.
"We all agreed: investigate the case fully before making any assumptions. Whose child is this? Whose grandchild? Who’s relative? That is not the issue. Let the facts speak," Anwar stated. - September 27, 2025
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