Mindef to look at all factors in abuse of power probes, says Deputy Minister

ALOR GAJAH: The Defence Ministry says it will look at all factors so that investigations related to abuse of power by Malaysian Armed Forces personnel are conducted more openly and transparently.

Deputy Minister Adly Zahari said the ministry has its own processes and standard operating procedures (SOP) in providing justice to the parties involved when an issue arises, especially related to the problems of misuse of power by any party, regardless of rank.

“We, at the ministry, will do not deny receiving reports, whether internal or external, including police reports, over such cases and because of that, internal investigations are very important.

“If there is anything related to certain officials, we first set aside the authority of those individuals so that the investigation can be carried out independently while the victim can recover from the trauma,” he told reporters after attending the Alor Gajah Parliament Rahmah Carnival at Dataran Keris Alor Gajah here Saturday (March 9).

The media previously reported that the Malaysian Army confirmed receiving a report regarding the alleged abuse of power and use of force by a senior Army officer in Sarawak against another officer.

Army headquarters, in a statement, said a police report had been made by the victim on March 3, following the alleged incident which occurred while the victim was undergoing training at the formation level and the report had gone viral on social media.

The Army also explained that the senior official concerned had been temporarily relieved of his government duties to enable a transparent and comprehensive investigation.

“From the beginning, we have received reports and if there is a party that is not satisfied after the internal investigation, they can take it up to the ministry.

“There are other processes that can also be done,” he said. – BK