Malaysia shifts defence procurement to G2G basis to curb corruption
This move excludes intermediaries and commissions, ensuring transparency in high-value military acquisitions.
Anwar revealed recent discussions with France and Italy to reinforce fair procurement practices.
'This is unheard of, because procurement of weapons has historically been one of the most corrupt areas, where people steal money,' he stated during an interview with France 24.
The Prime Minister emphasised the policy shift as part of broader anti-corruption reforms. 'Go directly government to government, and avoid this manner of taking or squandering money through so-called commissions,' he added.
When questioned about investigations involving former leaders, Anwar clarified that anti-graft probes target all individuals impartially, regardless of political stature.
'It's not about whether someone is a former finance minister or prime minister, it doesn't matter. The question is how did you get these billions?' he said.
He stressed the need to recover misappropriated funds for public welfare.
'Any funds stolen from the people must be returned, we want to improve our schools, we want to help the poor,' Anwar affirmed.
The Prime Minister is currently attending the BRICS Summit in Brazil after official visits to Italy and France. - Bernama
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Malay Mail
33 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar to open 58th AMM in KL as Asean talks tackle South China Sea, Myanmar, global issues
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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
PM's foreign engagements credited for investor confidence, investment uptick
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's overseas working visits have strengthened investor confidence and contributed to a rise in approved investments, economists said. Since the beginning of the year, Anwar has actively engaged with world leaders and investors to promote Malaysia as a competitive and stable investment destination. His working visits have taken him to key markets including France, Italy, Brazil, Russia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Economists say such outreach is timely, as Malaysia looks to enter new markets and strengthen existing ones to attract investment, create jobs and adopt new technologies. This has become more pressing following the United States' recent tariffs, which have disrupted global trade flows and prompted countries to diversify their markets. Against this backdrop, Malaysia and the broader Asean region remain attractive to both Western and Asian investors. Recognising this, Anwar has used his international visits to position Malaysia as a trade and investment hub, particularly during the country's Asean chairmanship this year. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said Anwar has been well received and is highly regarded by the international community and global leaders. "In that sense, he was able to demonstrate his persona and the ability to convince investors that Malaysia is the right avenue for long-term investment. "This has translated into rising approved investments, higher foreign participation in government securities, as well as positive assessments by credit rating agencies. "These trips have also contributed to an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade deals so far," he told Business Times. Afzanizam noted that the US tariffs have placed Malaysia in a difficult position, and the government needs to take a pragmatic approach to address the situation. He said that on one hand, the government continues to seek platforms to engage and negotiate with US officials. On the other hand, he said it must also focus on diversifying and expanding market access to key regions such as Asean, the European Union (EU) and the BRICS community. "That way, Malaysia should be able to mitigate the impact of US tariff shocks," he added. Meanwhile, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams said international trade visits are crucial for strengthening trade and investment relationships and for gaining access to new markets and opportunities. He added that such visits are especially important ahead of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions with the European Union, for example. "There has been positive news on potential trade and investment inflows, but Malaysia has also been in buying mode, in the case of airplanes, for example. "Malaysia must continue to maintain a diversified trade matrix with many countries and not rely too heavily on the US, China or Asean. "Diversified trade reduces risk in the face of global uncertainty, as we are seeing now," he said. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said face-to-face meetings between world leaders are crucial, not just for geopolitical reasons. He pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who continues to travel abroad to seek support despite his country being at war. "Similarly, Prime Minister Anwar, like any leader, prefers to engage in person and make official visits whenever possible. "His recent visits to Italy and France, followed by Brazil, were likely driven by both economic and geopolitical considerations," he said. 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He noted that continued engagement and strategic follow-up are important to ensure that initial interest generated through these visits is nurtured into concrete outcomes over time. Oh added the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry has recorded encouraging growth in foreign direct investment and trade agreements following these international missions, reflecting the positive momentum. Looking ahead, he said Malaysia should continue to carefully align its trade and diplomatic engagements in a way that supports national interests while maintaining strong and constructive ties with major global partners.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
New tax law scrutinised over judicial review powers
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