The Defence Ministry will conduct its own internal investigations and audits over allegations on defence spending by the previous administration, says new Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.
Internal investigations will be held over any issue and scandal connected to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) before action is taken against those involved, he said.
Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said he needed to get the complete information of all MAF services before looking in detail at issues and scandals within the MAF, including the purchase of the controversial Scorpene submarines as well as other issues which were raised by non-governmental organisations.
“We will investigate. If it is based on hearsay, it can have a negative effect on the image of individuals or departments. If there are (issues and scandals) with evidence obtained from detailed investigation and internal audits and, if necessary, we will use external audits, and if serious, we will take it to the Cabinet. We will not act wildly based on what we hear,” he told reporters at his first press conference at the Defence Ministry today.