PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear that there will be no compromise when it comes to breaches of trust, abuse of power, or corruption that could tarnish the reputation of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
The Prime Minister articulated this position during a courtesy visit from the newly appointed Chief of the Army, General Datuk Azhan Md. Othman, on Thursday.
“Public confidence in the ATM cannot be built on slogans alone; it must be strengthened through professionalism, accountability, and unwavering integrity at every level of administration and operations,” Anwar said in a post on his official Facebook page.
“In facing current challenges, including abuse of power and corruption, the government’s stance is clear: there is no compromise on breaches of trust, which demands transparency, honesty, and the courage to rectify weaknesses in order to uphold the honour of the ATM,” he added.
He further affirmed that the government would continue to support efforts to maintain the Army as a respected, professional, and capable force, while ensuring the welfare of officers, personnel, their families, and veterans is appropriately addressed.
Earlier, speaking at the Joint Mandate Ceremony with Heads of Departments and Enforcement Agencies in Financial Crime, Anwar expressed frustration over persistent lapses in law enforcement, particularly involving smuggling, illegal intrusion, and other clandestine activities in the country.
He disclosed that he had lost patience with the situation and had given top enforcement agency leaders a one-week period to consider reassignment should they be unable to perform their duties effectively.
The Armed Forces have recently been embroiled in high-profile financial scandals, with former Army Chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and former Chief of Defence Forces Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar facing legal proceedings.
These cases followed allegations by activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, known as Chegu Bard, who claimed to possess forensic documents showing monthly transfers amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit into the accounts of a senior military officer and his family.
Muhammad Hafizuddeain and his wife, Salwani Anuar, are facing multiple charges including money laundering involving illegal proceeds exceeding RM2 million from 2024 to last year.
Meanwhile, Mohd Nizam is accused of exploiting his position to receive bribes totalling RM552,481.90, in addition to charges of misappropriating RM3 million from the Armed Forces Welfare Fund and receiving RM200,000 since 2024.
The Prime Minister’s statements signal a firm commitment to restoring integrity and accountability within Malaysia’s military institutions, underlining that public trust is non-negotiable. - January 29, 2026
