KUALA LUMPUR – The Home Ministry (KDN) has described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive to freeze all corruption-tainted procurements involving the military and police as a “reset,” noting that both ministries command the country’s largest annual budgets — around RM20 billion.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the decision will be referred to the ministry’s secretary-general to review all previously approved procurements under the Supply Bill.
“I see this as a reset, especially given recent issues of misappropriation. With such a massive budget, beyond operating expenses there are development allocations — contracts, projects, and tenders for aircraft, ships, IT systems,” he told reporters after officiating the Padang Serai People’s Service Centre last night.
Saifuddin added that each ministry has its own procurement committee to determine the type of tenders offered to suppliers, stressing that all acquisitions must follow the needs and specifications of the agencies involved.
“If the National Registration Department requires equipment, specifications are drawn up. If the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) needs new motorcycles, then PDRM sets the specifications.
We welcome this move because it aligns with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on preventing misappropriation and strengthening governance. Every sen of public money must be accounted for,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar announced that all procurement decisions involving the armed forces, police, and related agencies linked to corruption would be frozen temporarily. He said the freeze was necessary to allow a full review and restructuring of processes to ensure compliance and eliminate graft. – January 17, 2026