MINDEF TO ENHANCE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY, AI – KHALED

KOTA TINGGI, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Defence Ministry (MINDEF) will enahnce the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) governance system as a preventive and improvement measure in addressing issues of corruption and abuse of power within the force.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said the improvements would be carried out comprehensively across systems and processes within the armed forces and the ministry, involving both personnel and officers.

“Systems and processes will be improved through digitalisation, the use of AI, the adoption of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles, as well as the establishment of a special unit to handle complaints.

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“These systems and processes need to be improved to ensure greater transparency, integrity and resistance to manipulation,” he said after officiating the MADANI-MINDEF Adopted Village Programme at Pantai Teluk Mahkota, Tanjung Sedili here today.

The ministry would be able to track procurement carried out at various levels, including identifying whether certain procurements are repeatedly awarded or given to the same company through digitalisation, he added.

Through AI, he said, the ministry would be able to assess whether an item is suitable, compare its procurement price with those made by other countries, and detect behavioural tendencies of individuals entrusted with responsibilities in procurement-related positions.

Meanwhile, commenting on the appointment of Army Western Field Commander Lt Gen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman as the new Chief of Defence Force (CDF), he said the appointment would help strengthen integrity and repair the image of the armed forces.

Khaled said the appointment was made in a challenging situation and would require close cooperation between the armed forces’ leadership and the ministry.

“I believe his appointment was made in challenging circumstances for the MAF, and among his main focuses, together with the ministry, is the effort to restore the image and reputation of the force.

“I am confident that this can only be achieved if there is mutual understanding and cooperation among all leadership at every level, both within the ministry and the MAF,” he added.

-- BERNAMA