PM Anwar: All Frozen Military Procurements Must Follow DIPN Framework

Prime Minister emphasizes transparency and accountability as the guiding principles for all temporarily frozen defense procurements.

KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that all defense procurements currently frozen temporarily must go through the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance in the acquisition of military equipment and security assets.

According to Anwar, this measure is part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen governance within the defense sector, while addressing potential risks of mismanagement, corruption, or procurement decisions that are not aligned with the actual operational needs of the Malaysian Armed Forces. “This freeze is not meant to halt military operations, but to ensure that all acquisitions are conducted through a legitimate and transparent mechanism,” he said in an official statement today.

Under the DIPN framework, all procurement decisions — from weapons and vehicles to communication systems and other defense equipment — must undergo rigorous evaluation, internal audits, and compliance checks, with a focus on supporting local defense industry capacity. The Prime Minister highlighted that a minimum 30% local content requirement will be enforced for each project, aimed at boosting domestic technological capabilities and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

He clarified that the temporary freeze is a strategic move to review all active defense projects and procurement plans that may be susceptible to financial inefficiencies. The initiative allows the government to better assess the operational needs of the armed forces while ensuring that national funds are spent prudently and effectively.

Anwar emphasized that this reform is designed to enhance transparency and accountability at the highest levels, signaling that the government will not tolerate any form of corruption or abuse of power. He called on all officers and stakeholders to strictly adhere to DIPN procedures without outside interference, ensuring the framework is implemented fully and efficiently.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister explained that the DIPN framework aims to promote local innovation and technology transfer, making Malaysia less dependent on foreign suppliers. It encourages the development of systems and equipment tailored to operational requirements, while strengthening domestic defense capabilities.

Anwar added that good governance and transparency are not political gestures, but strategic necessities that underpin national security and public confidence. “We must ensure that the Malaysian Armed Forces remain operationally ready, while all procurement is carried out responsibly and professionally,” he said.

Defense and political analysts have praised the move as a critical step to restore public confidence in the management of defense assets, particularly following past controversies involving procurement projects. They view the enforcement of DIPN as an essential mechanism to balance the military’s operational needs with public accountability and prudent use of national resources.

With the implementation of this policy, all frozen defense procurements are now subject to stricter oversight, ensuring that every project not only aligns with national defense strategy but also adheres to transparent, professional, and responsible governance standards.