DFEATED before the real battle – such is an apt description to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrest of former Army Chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan along with his two wives yesterday (Jan 7).
The trio were detained in connection with investigation into a military procurement project believed to involve suspicious money flows and an alleged attempt to abscond RM2.4 mil when they showed up at the MACC Headquarters in Putrajaya at around 3pm.
This case which touches the core Malaysian defence institution involves high-value tenders since 2023 as well as allegations of the existence of a procurement cartel that has been operating for a long time.
“From a broader perspective, the arrest is a major test of the seriousness of institutional reform and the principle of nobody is immune from the law,” penned Nazri Hamdan who is a digital creator specialising in economic, business and financial content in a Facebook post.
Editor’s Note: Hafizuddeain who was previously warded at the intensive care unit from Dec 28 till yesterday (Jan 7) and his two wives arrived at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court at around 10am today (Jan 8) in handcuffs for MACC to obtain a remand order to facilitate investigation.
Eliciting some7.4K likes, 1.7K comments and 497 shares at the time of writing, the revelation sparked immense outrage at the ex-army general who led “a lavish lifestyle in the company of big cars and two wives” while his underlings “have to struggle to keep peace in the jungle”.
While some praised Prime Minister Datuk Seti Anwar Ibrahim for his purported “rid corruption to its roots” reform, what is obvious is that the very indulgence in graft is an act of treachery to the nation.
One commenter even drew an equivalent with Muslim troops during the time of the Prophet’s companions who were equipped with strong faith.
“They read and memorised the Quran, understood the hadiths of the Prophet and always went out to do dakwah work till their faith continued to strengthen,” he observed.
“This is the path we need to follow in this end times if we truly expect help and victory from Allah SWT.”
Another seemingly Madani backer drew criticism for claiming the so-called corruption clamp down “made PMX unpopular” for he got rebutted with PMX’s deputy and UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal) from 47 prima facie charges for criminal breach of trust (CBT), graft and money laundering.
Sensibly, a commenter opined that given the nature of betrayal. “a makcik sweeping the trash at the army camp is far more noble than a commander who steals the army’s food procurement money”.
While one commenter heaped gratitude at MACC with the hope that more high-ranking wrongdoers will be nabbed, another highlighted that the suspect would have to face the shooting squad if such crime is committed in North Korea.
Likewise, one commenter prayed for the nation’s security for all three of Malaysia’s miliary branches – Army, Air Force and navy – have their share of corrupt practices.
At the end of the day, it is true that human greed knows no boundary when even “a four-star General and topmost personnel in the Army” who is well-paid with both salary and allowances” is willing to allow lust to have the better of him”. – Jan 8, 2025
Main image credit: Astro Awani
