M'sian general charged with corruption related offences, 3rd high-ranking military officer in 1 month

A Malaysian armed forces general has been charged with corruption-related offences, the third such armed forces official in just a month.

Criminal Breach of Trust

Major General Mohamed Fauzi Kamis, who serves as the Armed Forces’ Joint Forces Headquarters chief of staff, was charged on Jan. 30.

He was charged with criminal breach of trust involving RM5 million (S$1.61 million) from the Armed Forces Welfare Fund, according to the Malay Mail.

The 56-year-old Mohamed Fauzi pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

Bernama reported that he was charged in his capacity as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personal Services, and as the chairman of the welfare fund’s investment committee.

Mohamed Fauzi is accused of dishonestly misappropriating funds through additional investments without first obtaining approval from the Armed Forces Welfare Fund investment committee in 2023.

If found guilty, he could face at least two years in prison, and up to 20 years, as well as a fine.

Third in January

Mohamed Fauzi is the third Malaysian armed offices official to face criminal charges in the month of January alone.

On Jan. 8, former Malaysian Army Chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives were detained in court.

He was later charged with money laundering involving more than RM2.1 million (S$670,000).

On Jan. 23, former Armed Forces Chief Mohd Nizam Jaffar pled not guilty to four charges of abusing his position and receiving over RM750,000 (S$241,000), as well as criminal breach of trust involving RM3 million (S$960,000), according to Bernama.

Probe

The three generals have been charged after Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, said on social media that the Malaysian army must uphold integrity and trust while carrying out its duties.

He added that no form of abuse of power or misappropriation would be tolerated, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has been investigating several incidents where some companies have repeatedly secured high-value military contracts, starting from 2023.

Top image via Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook & Bernama