Transparency International Malaysia (TI -M) expresses serious concern over the recent arrest and remand linked to alleged corruption involving army procurement contracts. The case, which reportedly involves cartel arrangements, inducements to senior officers, repeated awards of high-value defence contracts, and the seizure of substantial sums of cash, exposes long-standing weaknesses in defence sector governance.
TI-M stresses that this case must not be treated as an isolated incident. Malaysia has previously faced controversies involving defence procurement, including allegations of inflated contracts, opaque decision-making, and undue middlemen influence. These recurring cases point to systemic risks arising from excessive secrecy and weak oversight within institutions entrusted with national security.
Malaysia’s defence sector continues to operate with limited public and parliamentary scrutiny. The
absence of a federal Freedom of Information law, combined with the broad application of the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA), has restricted access to information that should legitimately be subject to public oversight, particularly defence budgets, procurement frameworks, tender processes, contract awards, and governance arrangements.
In this context,TI-Malaysia urges the Government to adopt and apply the Tshwane Principles on National Security and the Right to Information. These principles clearly distinguish between information that must be protected and information that should be made public. While operational details such as troop movements, tactical plans, weapons specifications, and intelligence sources may legitimately remain classified, information relating to defence spending, procurement decisions, contracting processes, and oversight mechanisms should be transparent.
The Tshwane Principles require that any restriction on access to information meet a clear
harm test, be based on a legitimate and demonstrable national security interest, and be subject to a public interest test. Information classification should not be used to shield corruption, abuse of authority, or the misuse of public funds.
Transparency and accountability in defence procurement are not threats to national security. They
are essential safeguards to ensure that defence institutions remain credible, professional, and focused on protecting the public interest.
