A FORMER Royal Malaysian Air Force captain has expressed concern over the manner in which recent exposés on allegations regarding the existence of "cartels" involved in corruption within the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Abdul Rahmat Omar Haniff warned that while uncovering wrongdoing is important, it must be done within the bounds of the law.
“The materials, some of which are reportedly protected under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), also included sensitive personal information such as private addresses,” said Rahmat, responding to a series of disclosures by political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard.
The Bersatu man has been releasing what he claims are secret documents related to alleged cartel activities within the armed forces.
Rahmat acknowledged that exposing corruption and abuse of power is necessary in a healthy democracy, but stressed that the approach taken matters as much as the intention.
“Exposés such as the ones he’s made are good, but wrongly done.”
“He should follow the Whistleblower Act 2010 and report concerns through designated internal channels, such as an audit committee, or to relevant enforcement agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC),” said the son of former IGP Tun Haniff Omar.
Rahmat cautioned that taking the law into one’s own hands, even in the name of public interest, risks undermining the rule of law.
“Two wrongs don’t make one right,” he said, adding that vigilantism cannot be justified simply because it targets alleged wrongdoing.
He also pointed to Chegubard’s political standing, suggesting that political motivations could complicate the issue.
“He is a politician, and politicians are out to score points with voters.”
“But vigilantism is still wrong. So is breaking any law,” he added.
The controversy has sparked debate over the balance between transparency, public interest, and legal safeguards, particularly in cases involving national security and classified information.
Legal experts have repeatedly noted that Malaysia’s Whistleblower Act 2010 provides mechanisms intended to protect individuals who report misconduct through authorised channels, while also safeguarding sensitive information.
In a series of press conferences, Chegubard alleged that a "cartel" involving senior military personnel is involved in corruption, claiming that a senior officer received monthly bribes exceeding RM50,000 via personal and family bank accounts.
He also claimed to have seen documents indicating that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Defence Minister Khaled Nordin are aware of these cartels, accusing them of inaction.
The former PKR member has submitted documents to the police and the MACC to support his claims. - ENDS
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