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The Malaysian government is embroiled in a military procurement scandal involving 20 officers facing disciplinary action for misconduct from 2023 to 2025. The Royal Malaysian Air Force confirmed the officers' involvement in procurement corruption and a culture of misconduct.

The king has canceled questionable deals and warned against practices harming national sovereignty. Investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reveal a suspected 26-company cartel bribing senior officers for contracts, linked to 158 projects over RM500,000.

Corruption has plagued the military and defense ministry for decades, leading to failed procurement contracts, including unfulfilled orders for naval ships and helicopters. The military modernization efforts are hindered by past mismanagement, while neighboring Indonesia and Singapore enhance their military capabilities.