On first day of work, Malaysian Defence Minister announces internal probe into ‘past scandals’
KUALA LUMPUR ― Malaysia's Defence Ministry will conduct its own internal probe and audit before determining the substance behind allegations regarding defence spending under the previous administration, new Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said on Tuesday (May 22).
Mr Mohamad Sabu inspects a ceremonial Guard of Honour on his first day at work as Defence Minister in the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), Kuala Lumpur. He says the ministry will conduct an internal probe and audit before determining the substance behind allegations regarding defence spending under the previous Barisan Nasional administration.
KUALA LUMPUR ― Malaysia's Defence Ministry will conduct its own internal probe and audit before determining the substance behind allegations regarding defence spending under the previous administration, new Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said on Tuesday (May 22).
Speaking during his first day on duty after being sworn in as the Defence Minister, the Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president stressed that he did not want to act on mere “hearsay”.
“We will not act based on hearsay. We will have our internal audit from time to time, study the matter further, and discuss with those at the ministry,” Mr Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said.
He was responding to calls for him to investigate defence spending during the previous Barisan Nasional administration, including the purchase of the controversial Scorpene submarine.
There were allegations of possible graft involving the Malaysian government’s purchase of French and Spanish-built Scorpene submarines in 2002 when former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was defence minister.
Veteran politician Mohamad Sabu today admitted to being “nervous” about his performance first time out as federal minister, but insisted that the protocols that come with his new job would not change his style as a leader.
Mr Mohamad also admitted that he was "nervous" after being asked by the Malaysian media about his feelings on his first day in office.
“Now I have to follow rules and protocols, I am someone who is so used to being with the people. But I don't want to change the style of Mohamad Sabu,” he added, prompting laughter and cheers from the room full of Defence Ministry officials.
Mr Mohamad had built a reputation as a good orator and was hugely popular on the ceramah circuit prior to Pakatan Harapan's (PH) surprise victory in the May 9 general elections.
He was among the first batch of Pakatan Harapan leaders who were named by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be part of his new Cabinet. MALAY MAIL
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