Ipoh: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has issued a stern reminder to defence and security forces personnel, urging them not to abuse their rank or position to engage in unlawful activities. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within the forces, aligning with Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar's position of zero tolerance towards power abuse.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid expressed his agreement with Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar's stance, stating that decisive action would be taken against any military officers involved in misconduct, whether as informants or through direct involvement. He conveyed these remarks during the Perak Community Development Department (KEMAS) Santunan Desa Programme. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, stressed that any misuse of power could damage the reputation of the country's defence and security forces.

The Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted the necessity of this warning serving as a firm deterrent to prevent others from engaging in similar offences or misconduct. This comes in the wake of a report by BERNAMA last Wednesday, which detailed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's successful dismantling of a southern smuggling syndicate. The operation led to the arrest of 10 individuals, including three serving and two former senior military officers. These officers were allegedly involved in leaking operational information to the syndicate to help them avoid detection by enforcement agencies.