PUTRAJAYA: Assets procured for security purposes must not experience leakages or irresponsible acts of gaining personal profit if the country’s sovereignty is to be defended, warns Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the government made substantial allocations for security annually, to ensure the Armed Forces and police can carry out their duties to protect the country.
“However, there have been instances where the (procurement of) assets has seen massive leakages. This must stop.
“I don’t want a situation where (some) talk about the need to ensure our safety and security but yet, their actions show otherwise when they place personal interests before the country's,” he said at the launch of National Security Month here on Tuesday (July 30).
Anwar said his stand on leakages was firm, and acknowledged that some parties were uncomfortable with it.
“But there is no choice. If we want to defend the country, all this must be looked into.
“If we don’t, what is to become of our fighter jets and warships?” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded the people that ensuring Malaysia’s peace, security and safety is not merely the responsibility of the authorities and uniformed bodies, but all citizens.
“It must not be taken lightly. There are always threats to our security, whether foreign or domestic.
“I am not here to scare or cause concern.
"Rather, I am worried that many of us are comfortable and not concerned about not playing their part to protect the country,” he added.