Arrest of military officers over smuggling racket tarnishes country's image, says Zahid
The arrest of the five officers from the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO), Zahid said, although damaging the nation's image, should serve as a strong warning to all enforcement agencies to avoid such misconduct.
" It (security) is not compromised, but the (country's) image has been tarnished.
"This must be avoided and fully understood by them," Zahid said in his speech after launching the Santunan Desa programme here today.
Present were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and Community Development Department (KEMAS) Director-General Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he supported the action taken against the suspects as announced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.
"It is not just about being an informant but being directly involved. If this is indeed the case, it must be stopped because it concerns the image of the armed forces.
"More so for those of us in positions of trust, we must act responsibly and not use rank, position, or authority in a defence or security force to engage in unlawful activities," he said.
It was reported that the five military officers and five civilians were recently arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) during an operation to dismantle a drug and contraband smuggling syndicate involving senior armed forces officers in the southern region.
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