KUALA LUMPUR – Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, has been placed on immediate leave to facilitate an investigation into allegations involving his conduct, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin confirmed today.
Khaled stated in a press release that Hafizuddeain would remain on leave until the investigation is concluded, ensuring that there are no conflicts of interest and that the process can proceed smoothly.
“This administrative step is taken to ensure the investigation is carried out without any conflicts of interest,” he said.
The announcement follows a confirmation from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who on Tuesday revealed that MACC had initiated an investigation under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 regarding corruption allegations linked to a senior military officer.
On the same day, MACC officers visited the Ministry of Defence to begin an initial review of several projects associated with the Malaysian Army from 2023 to the present.
Sources indicated that the investigation is primarily focused on projects that were awarded via open tender and those handled by the Army’s Responsibility Centre (PTJ).
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz Ibrahim, President of the Retired Armed Forces Officers’ Corps Association (Rafoc), has called for the senior officer under investigation to step down from his duties until the case is resolved.
New Leadership Interim Appointment for Armed Forces
In related news, the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (TLDM) Chief, Admiral Tan Sri (Dr) Zulhelmy Ithnain, has been appointed as the acting Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) following the retirement of General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam, who reached the mandatory retirement age.
Defence Minister Khaled expressed the ministry’s gratitude for General Nizam’s leadership and service during his tenure as the head of ATM, wishing him a smooth transition into retirement.
The MACC has broadened its probe into alleged corruption within military procurement, scrutinising defence contracts and financial transactions associated with projects awarded between 2023 and 2025.
Recently, three individuals were summoned for questioning yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation. Preliminary findings have revealed that over 150 military procurement projects valued at over RM500,000 were awarded during this period, with additional smaller projects bringing the total number of contracts to more than 4,500.
The investigation was triggered after a report by Badrul Hisham Shaharin, the Bersatu Port Dickson chief, who claimed that substantial cash flows had been detected in the bank accounts of a senior officer and his family members. These funds are suspected to have originated from companies that were awarded military contracts.
Badrul Hisham, who submitted forensic audit documents to MACC, alleged that the officer received monthly payments ranging from RM50,000 to RM60,000, along with additional large transfers amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit. The funds are believed to have been directly channelled from companies with military contracts.
Responding to these allegations, MACC officers visited the Defence Ministry earlier this week to collect procurement documents for review. The investigation is concentrated on contracts awarded from 2023 onwards, particularly those issued through open tenders or handled by the Army’s responsibility centres.
Azam confirmed that a formal investigation under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 had been opened, focusing on bribery offences. He assured the public that the investigation would be conducted impartially, based on evidence and established facts.
“At this stage, we are reviewing several financial transactions linked to a senior officer. We are carefully examining these before taking the next steps, including calling witnesses,” he said, as quoted by Astro Awani.
Azam added that further witnesses could be summoned soon to address some of the financial transactions uncovered in the investigation. He also revealed that MACC had proactively obtained defence procurement documents for the period between 2023 and 2025, with ongoing financial analysis expected to conclude in two to three days, depending on the availability of necessary court documents. – December 27, 2025