MAF Ready To Hand Over Sensitive Documents In Intelligence Officers’ Case

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is ready to hand over sensitive documents to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to facilitate the probe involving intelligence officers alleged to be the masterminds behind a smuggling syndicate.

Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said MAF has from the start pledged full and transparent cooperation in the investigation.

“There is absolutely no issue (in sharing documents with the MACC). From the very start, my first statement was that we would give our full cooperation to the MACC in addressing this issue.

“The main thing is to determine whether the allegations are true or not. If they are true, we will take appropriate action. If they are not, then Alhamdulillah,” he told reporters after being inducted into the National Resilience College Hall of Fame here today.

Mohd Nizam said there was no operational compromise after the five detained officers had their duties taken over without affecting field operations.

He said full and transparent cooperation would be extended while the MAF is also working to obtain a clearer picture of the incident.

Mohd Nizam confirmed that the five senior officers are from the Defence Intelligence Division and are currently in custody for investigation.

He stressed that all parties should allow time for the MACC to carry out its probe, and that it would be unfair for misleading opinions to be spread at such an early stage.

“This reflects poorly on an organisation whose main responsibility is the defence of the nation.

“If this matter is proven true, it means there are gaps that need to be addressed. However, we should not feel weakened; instead, this is a step to strengthen and empower the organisation to face future challenges,” he said.

When asked about the restructuring to be carried out in the division, Mohd Nizam said he had full confidence in Defence Intelligence Director Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Razali Alias, who is handling the matter appropriately.

“I have complete trust that he will take the right steps. This is also an opportunity for us to understand why these gaps occurred and whether they truly exist or are merely speculation,” he said.

Earlier, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was reported as saying that the MACC would obtain more information from the Defence Ministry to complete the investigation into the syndicate.

He said the information, including classified reports, is expected to assist in the probe into activities believed to be taking place mainly in the waters of the Strait of Malacca in Melaka and Johor.

-- BERNAMA