Malaysia’s Chief of Army, General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, has been placed on leave with immediate effect as authorities continue an investigation involving him, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced on Saturday.
In a statement, the defence minister said the decision was taken to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference. He added that the leave is an administrative measure intended to ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly and without any potential conflict of interest. Muhammad Hafizuddeain will remain on leave until the probe is concluded.
Reports indicate that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) launched an investigation on December 23 into alleged irregularities related to the procurement of army projects. As part of the probe, MACC officers visited the Defence Ministry and examined open tender projects, as well as procurements under the “Pusat Tanggungjawab (PTJ) Tentera Darat.” According to sources cited in reports, the investigation revealed that several companies had repeatedly secured high-value contracts.
Muhammad Hafizuddeain has served as Chief of Army since September 2023, after holding the position of deputy chief between April and September of the same year.
In a separate announcement, Mohamed Khaled confirmed that Navy Chief Laksamana Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, 57, has been appointed as Acting Chief of Defence Forces with immediate effect. The appointment follows the mandatory retirement of General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar upon reaching the retirement age.
The Defence Ministry expressed its appreciation for Mohd Nizam’s service, leadership, and contributions during his tenure as head of the Malaysian Armed Forces, and extended best wishes for his retirement. Born in August 1966, Mohd Nizam was promoted to serve as Malaysia’s 23rd Chief of Defence Forces in January this year after previously holding the rank of lieutenant general.