Explainer: What we know about the MDIO
The five were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged involvement in a contraband smuggling syndicate.
But beyond the headlines, what exactly is MDIO — and why does it matter?
The MDIO traces its roots back to the Defence Intelligence Staff Division, established on Oct 1, 1981, to replace the Joint Intelligence Directorate.
Its initial mission was clear: to gather and produce intelligence to counter the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) during the Second Malayan Emergency.
On Sept 23, 2022, the division underwent a major restructuring and expansion.
The then armed forces chief, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, announced its new name — the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation — and logo, marking a shift towards broader strategic and psychological operations.
What the MDIO does?
Operating under the armed forces, MDIO's functions go far beyond military spying.
They include:
1. Collecting, analysing, and disseminating defence intelligence to counter both internal and external threats.
2. Psychological operations to strengthen public confidence in the government and armed forces.
3. Promoting unity and patriotism across urban and rural communities to encourage cooperation with armed forces and other agencies.
4. Countering harmful ideologies that could undermine Malaysia's security and sovereignty.
Structure and leadership
The MDIO director-general, currently Lieutenant-General Datuk Razali Alias, reports directly to the armed forces chief, the defence minister, and the National Security Division.
Its members comprise those from the intelligence branches of all three services — the army, Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
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