The Ministry of Defence will introduce sweeping reforms to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) asset procurement framework after a temporary freeze was imposed on procurement allocations.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposed improvements were finalised following discussions with the Ministry of Finance, with the aim of strengthening governance and restoring public confidence.
Among the key changes is the restructuring of procurement committees. Future committees will no longer be confined to a single service branch. Instead, they must include representatives from across the Army, Navy and Air Force to enhance transparency and introduce stronger checks and balances within the decision-making process.
“For instance, if a procurement is initiated by the Royal Malaysian Navy, representatives from the Army and Air Force must also sit on the committee,” he said after attending an event here.
The minister further revealed that any overseas acquisition of military equipment must be conducted through an open international tender. This requirement is intended to reduce reliance on intermediaries and curb unnecessary cost mark-ups often linked to agent involvement.
In addition, the Ministry of Finance has directed that a representative from the Home Ministry be appointed to the tender board for major defence procurements, reinforcing cross-ministerial oversight.
Despite the freeze, Mohamed Khaled assured that the MAF’s operational readiness remains unaffected. The suspension does not cover essential day-to-day operational requirements critical to national security.
Items exempted from the freeze include food supplies for personnel deployed on operations, as well as vital logistical needs such as fuel and vehicle spare parts. He stressed that operational continuity remains a top priority.
“When personnel are deployed, they require food. Military vehicles must also be supplied with fuel and spare parts,” he explained.
On Jan 16, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered a temporary halt to all MAF and police procurement decisions linked to corruption concerns. The directive followed allegations of corruption and abuse of power involving several former senior leaders within the armed forces.
The ministry’s latest measures signal a broader push towards accountability and institutional reform within Malaysia’s defence procurement system.
