Malaysia places army chief on leave amid anti-graft probe into procurement projects

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia’s top army officer has been placed on leave with immediate effect following the launch of official investigations into allegations linked to military procurement projects, the defence minister confirmed on 27 December 2025.

Defence Minister Khaled Nordin said army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan was put on leave to ensure that investigations could proceed independently and without any perceived conflict of interest.

“He will go on leave with immediate effect until the investigations are completed,” Khaled said in a statement to Malaysian media outlets.

Khaled did not disclose the specific nature of the allegations under investigation.

Allegations and MACC probe into procurement projects

However, the decision follows reports that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had summoned several individuals in connection with procurements involving army projects.

According to reports, the MACC has called in three individuals to assist with investigations related to defence procurement, particularly projects awarded through open tenders.

The probe began on 23 December after a report was lodged by activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, according to Malaysian media.

Badrul, who is the Port Dickson Bersatu chief, alleged that “large cash inflows” had been detected in the bank accounts of a senior military officer and his family members.

He claimed the funds were purportedly linked to companies that had secured military projects.

Bersatu is part of the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition.

Free Malaysia Today reported that MACC officers had visited the defence ministry to begin preliminary checks into several army-related projects dating back to 2023.

Khaled had earlier stated that his ministry would refrain from taking action until the conclusion of an official investigation, emphasising the importance of due process.

The MACC later confirmed that a probe under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009, which deals with bribery offences, is currently in progress.

According to the MACC, officers visited the defence ministry on 23 December to examine procurement projects conducted under the army’s Pusat Tanggungjawab (PTJ) system.

The commission said investigations covered 158 projects worth more than RM500,000 each, equivalent to about US$123,365, as well as 4,521 projects below that threshold.

These projects were awarded between 2023 and 2025, according to preliminary findings released by the MACC.

Initial assessments indicated that several companies repeatedly secured high-value contracts, raising concerns over possible irregularities, the commission said.

As of 24 December, statements had been recorded from three individuals to assist investigators, the MACC added.

Leadership changes and upcoming retirements

Separately, Khaled announced changes in military leadership as part of an ongoing transition within the armed forces.

He said Navy Chief Zulhelmy Ithnain would assume the duties of Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces with immediate effect.

This move comes ahead of the planned retirement of the current armed forces chief, Nizam Jaffar.

Free Malaysia Today had earlier reported that Nizam, along with the head of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation Razali Alias, were expected to leave military service soon.

In November, Khaled said both officers were approaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 next year.

The defence ministry expressed its highest appreciation for Mohd Nizam’s service, leadership and contributions during his tenure.

FMT previously reported that Khaled had denied any link between the planned retirements and an anti-graft probe.

Those reports followed allegations that the departures were connected to the arrest of 10 individuals, including military officers, in a drug-smuggling case in August.

Khaled rejected claims that the leadership changes were related to those arrests, reiterating that the retirements were based on age requirements.

The MACC said investigations are continuing, and further updates will be provided once sufficient findings are established.