PUTRAJAYA: The procurement of security assets must not suffer from leakages and irresponsible acts for personal profit if the country’s security and sovereignty are to be defended, warns Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the government makes substantial allocations annually to ensure that the security forces can carry out their duties effectively.

“However, there have been instances where the method of procuring assets has seen massive leakages. This must stop.

“I don’t want a situation where one talks about the need to ensure our safety and security, yet their actions show otherwise. They place personal interest before the country,” he said at the launch of National Security Month yesterday.

Anwar said he is firm and committed to preventing leakages and acknowledged that some parties are not comfortable with it.

“But there is no choice. If we want to defend the country, all these must be looked into. If we don’t, what is to become of our fighter jets and warships?” he said.

The Prime Minister also announced an additional allocation of RM100mil to beef up security facilities along the northern border of Peninsular Malaysia with Thailand.

He said the allocation is necessary, taking into account the poor condition of the current border security facilities.

He said he will meet with his Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to discuss issues along the border including security, economic growth and development.

On a related matter, Anwar said the government will not tolerate any claims over Sabah.

“(About) the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, the Malaysian government has made a firm statement that we will not compromise even an inch of our land and that we will never entertain negotiations involving the rights and sovereignty of our country,” he said.

Nevertheless, Anwar said the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines is still on good terms and he maintains a close relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Therefore, this channel (close relationship) should be used to maintain security.

“Our security forces should understand that history has proven that attacks like the one that occurred in Sabah a few years ago was unexpected.”

Bernama reported that a video containing baseless claims on the sovereignty of Sabah has been making the rounds on social media.

Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement reiterating the government’s long-standing position that Sabah has always been an integral part of Malaysia.

It said Sabah has been recognised by the United Nations and the international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

“The ministry is undertaking a thorough investigation in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies on the matter,” it added, in reference to the video.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/31/ending-leakages-for-our-security