THE Ministry of Defence has lodged a police report against a party suspected of disseminating confidential government information, following the leak of information on strategic appointments in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.
Speaking at a press conference, Khaled said the ministry had never disclosed details of appointments or job sharing to any party.
"We have lodged a police report on the matter. The ATM has never disclosed any details to any party," he said without naming the individual suspected of disseminating the matter.
Yesterday, in a statement, Mindef said that it would not hesitate to take legal action against any party found involved in disseminating confidential government information.
The ministry said action could be taken under the Official Secrets Act 1972, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Armed Forces Act 1972 or the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
The ministry also warned that the open dissemination of confidential or internal information could pose a threat to information security and national sovereignty.
He added that actions, including leaking the list of names of senior ATM officers, were a form of misconduct that clearly challenged the credibility of the country's defence management system.
Meanwhile, Khaled said that any matter regarding the appointment of high-ranking ATM officers would be discussed first by the Armed Forces Council before being brought to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Khaled added that it was inappropriate for the matter to be leaked before the Agong's approval.
"It cannot happen. Let alone before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's approval. The matter was also brought to the Armed Forces Council for discussion."
"The ATM's responsibility is only to recommend. We never publicise it," he added. – January 19, 2026
