Malaysia detains former army chief and family as corruption probe widens into military contracts tender

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on 7 January 2026 detained the former Malaysian Army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan, his two wives, and two other individuals.

The arrests are part of an expanding investigation into alleged corruption involving military procurement tenders.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the detentions to state news agency Bernama. He said all five individuals were being held to assist investigations into procurement projects linked to the Malaysian Army.

According to Azam, the former Army chief and his two wives were arrested at around 7pm. The trio had presented themselves at MACC headquarters to provide statements before being detained.

The other two individuals, a married couple connected to the case, were detained earlier on the same day.

Azam said that couple had already been remanded for seven days to facilitate further investigations.

“We expect to apply for remand orders for the former army chief and his two wives tomorrow. The couple detained yesterday have already been remanded for seven days,” Azam was quoted as saying on 7 Jan.

The detentions follow earlier developments involving senior military leadership.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had previously announced that the Army chief was placed on leave pending the outcome of investigations.

New Army Chief appointed on 1 Jan 2026

Subsequently, Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Chief of Staff at the Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters, was appointed as the 31st Malaysian Army chief. His appointment took effect on 1 January 2026.

The leadership change comes amid a widening probe into military procurement practices.

On 23 December 2025, MACC expanded its investigation to include the Ministry of Defence itself.

The commission said it was reviewing projects awarded through open tenders and managed by the Army Responsibility Centre.

These projects form a central part of the investigation into alleged irregularities.

MACC disclosed that it was probing “large cash inflows” into the bank accounts of a senior military officer and several family members. The funds raised suspicions due to their size and frequency.

According to reports, the money was allegedly transferred from accounts linked to around 40 companies. These companies were said to have secured contracts related to military procurement.

As part of the probe, MACC officers reportedly raided both the office and official residence of the officer involved.

The raids were conducted to gather documents and electronic records relevant to the investigation.

Six bank accounts belonging to the officer and family members were reportedly frozen. MACC said the action was necessary to prevent potential dissipation of funds while investigations were ongoing.

The investigation escalated further on 6 January 2026.

MACC obtained a five-day remand order for 17 company directors suspected of involvement in a cartel linked to army procurement tenders.

Authorities believe the directors may have coordinated bids to manipulate tender outcomes.

Such practices, if proven, would undermine fair competition and transparency in defence procurement.

The case has drawn attention due to its scale and the number of parties involved. It has also raised broader questions about governance and oversight in defence-related spending.

Following the appointment of the new Army chief,

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, issued firm advice on leadership and integrity. His remarks were directed at reinforcing ethical conduct within the armed forces.

As Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Sultan Ibrahim emphasised that all personnel of the Malaysian Army must uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust.

He stressed that leadership rooted in integrity must begin at the highest level. The King also reminded the Army chief to lead by example in cultivating clean, transparent and accountable governance.