KOTA TINGGI: The ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the RM9 million 'procurement cartel' at a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) camp in Johor should serve as a lesson to all.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin said such activities should be avoided entirely as every government-approved project should reach its intended target.
He said the ministry would provide full cooperation to the MACC until the investigation into the case is completed.
"Mindef welcomes the MACC investigation following the arrest of three individuals believed to be masterminds of the 'procurement cartel' involving construction work at a navy base in Johor.
"There is an ongoing investigation, so let us provide all cooperation so that the investigation can be completed, and we hope that appropriate action will be taken.
"As a minister, I strongly welcome and will provide full cooperation to them. I hope it serves as a lesson so that government-approved projects reach their targets," he said to the reporters after officiating the Madani Sedili Kota Tinggi Community Carnival at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sedili Besar today.
Yesterday, RMN confirmed that some of its members had been called in by the MACC as part of the investigation into the 'procurement cartel' case, with Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob, reported as saying that several documents were also taken for investigative purposes.
Three men aged between 28 and 47, believed to be the masterminds of the procurement cartel, were remanded for seven days starting Thursday to facilitate investigations under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
Meanwhile, Khaled, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kota Tinggi, added that four armed forces (MAF) clinics would be constructed this year, including one in Kluang, Johor; Seberang Takir, Terengganu; Sungai Petani, Kedah; and Kuantan, Pahang.
He said the tender process would be opened to enable the implementation of these projects.
"This year, clinics will be built in four locations, and currently, we are preparing the specifications and will open it for tender."
Previously, Khaled said focus on improving the welfare of current and former military personnel by enhancing armed forces healthcare services would start this year.
In addition to constructing the four clinics, healthcare services will be strengthened with the Health IT System in every Armed Forces Hospital, Specialist Outreach Clinics and the Mental Health Programme.