13/01/2026

TUESDAY | JAN 13, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Investigation broadens to 21 in ‘yeye’ controversy

Salary increase boosts judicial autonomy: CJ KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said the 30% salary increase for judges reinforces judicial independence, highlighting that judges do not receive annual increments and are precluded from holding other offices or engaging in business. Speaking at the Opening of the Legal Year 2026 yesterday, Wan Ahmad Farid expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the government for the pay adjustment, describing it as both timely and significant. “This is the first adjustment in a decade. “Given that judges do not benefit from annual increments and are precluded from holding other offices or engaging in business, this increment reflects a clear recognition of the demands placed upon judicial office. “It also demonstrates a meaningful commitment to enhancing the welfare of the judiciary, supporting a resilient, credible and high-performing administration of justice,” he said, adding that the increment, in his view, contributes directly to promoting judicial independence. The landmark 30% salary increase for judges, now gazetted, took effect on Jan 1. This measure, fulfilling a pledge made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 2026 Budget, applies to all judges from the High Court to the Federal Court. Wan Ahmad Farid also reminded judges that enhanced remuneration must be matched with heightened responsibility. “Judicial office carries with it the expectation that judges will read extensively, remain abreast of legal and societal developments, equip themselves with new knowledge and never cease learning. “In a rapidly evolving legal landscape, continuous learning is not a choice, it is a duty.” He further reiterated that fair compensation serves as an important safeguard for the judiciary. “A fairly-compensated judiciary helps shield judges from undue influence, encourages capable legal minds to step forward in service and allows those who sit on the bench to discharge their duties without undue financial concern.” Wan Ahmad Farid added that during his first 100 days in office, he had indicated his intention to explore the possibility of introducing performance-based incentives for Superior Court judges who demonstrate diligence, discipline and sustained commitment to the timely discharge of their judicial duties. “This practice is not new. It is adopted in certain comparable jurisdictions, including in Singapore. “It is one that merits careful and principled consideration.” – Bernama

o Probes nearing completion, dismissal possible if personnel found guilty, says Defence minister

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of individuals under investigation over alleged misconduct linked to unauthorised social activities at a military base has risen to 21, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said yesterday, following the widely-publicised “yeye” controversy at an Air Force base in Subang Jaya. He said the figure was up from the 20 personnel previously reported to be involved in the case. “Twenty-one individuals are under investigation. Once the investigation is completed, the case will proceed to the legal process and they will have the right to defend themselves,” he told reporters after speaking at the Defence Ministry’s 2026 New Year address event. He also said investigations into the incident were nearing completion, adding that the Air Force had earlier confirmed internal action had already been initiated. He said the alleged activities involved breaches of existing military regulations, including restrictions on alcohol consumption and the presence of non-family guests inside military camps. “What happened was a violation Hafizuddeain Jantan (pic) has quit the force early as investigations into alleged military procurement irregularities continue. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Hafizuddeain stepped down effective Jan 1, after the ministry received formal notification from his lawyer. “I have received a letter from the lawyer of Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain stating his intention to step down early from the army. This allows us to begin the process of appointing a new Armed Forces chief,” he told reporters yesterday. The post is currently being held by Navy admiral Tan Sri Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, with the final appointment subject to the approval of the King. Khaled said the Defence Ministry would carry out a major overhaul of its anti-corruption plan this year to restore public trust and strengthen integrity and governance in the national defence sector. He added that all tender and procurement processes would be

Khaled speaking during the event at Wisma Perwira Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, accompanied by Defence Deputy Minister Adly Zahari (second from right) and Navy admiral Tan Sri Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain (second from left). – NIK FAIZ/THESUN

defence assets but also endangers the safety of military personnel, causes waste and inefficiency, and weakens the effectiveness of the Armed Forces as the country’s main defence institution. “Corruption erodes the character of personnel trained in discipline and undermines our ability to compete as a middle-power nation. It causes leakages and ultimately prevents us from delivering the best for the country and our servicemen.” Hafizuddeain was placed on leave in December 2025 to facilitate investigations into alleged irregularities linked to Armed Forces procurement projects. His scheduled appointment as Armed Forces chief was subsequently deferred pending the outcome of the probe. The investigation began after political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, alleged irregularities involving defence procurement contracts and senior Armed Forces officers. He later called on authorities to disclose details of a raid on a safe take action if there are accurate and legitimate reports.” In his address, Khaled warned that immoral behaviour and misconduct within the defence system must be dealt with firmly, saying such actions undermine the credibility of the Armed Forces. “We must enforce discipline strictly and put an end to bullying, misconduct and unhealthy social activities that are not in line with our values.” He said activities involving alcohol, inappropriate social gatherings and behaviour that tarnish the image of the Armed Forces would not be tolerated. “There should be no space for actions that compromise morality, discipline and the honour of our institution.”

of existing rules, not a widespread culture within the Armed Forces. If they are found guilty, the maximum penalty could be dismissal. If there is evidence of other offences, the matter will be referred to the relevant authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.” Khaled urged the public not to generalise the issue or view it as reflective of the entire military institution. “We ask Malaysians to be fair and reasonable, and not to assume that all members of the armed forces behave in this manner,” he said, adding that unfair accusations could affect the morale of personnel who continue to serve and sacrifice for the country. “We do not condone or accept any form of wrongdoing. We will give our full cooperation to the authorities to

house linked to the case, including items and cash allegedly seized. The MACC has confirmed it is investigating the matter and has recorded statements from several individuals to assist its probe. Reports have also indicated that multiple companies are under scrutiny in connection with the alleged misconduct. On Jan 8, the former Army chief was remanded for seven days, while his two wives were remanded for six and three days respectively to assist investigations. MACC has also seized gold bars, high-performance sports utility vehicles, cash in various foreign currencies estimated at RM6.9 million and 23 Rolex watches valued at about RM2 million, believed to be linked to the case. Khaled said the ministry would continue to strengthen enforcement of regulations and disciplinary measures to curb corruption and abuse of power, and pledged full cooperation with authorities if there are valid complaints or evidence of wrongdoing. – By Faiz Ruzman On Jan 10, Air Force chief Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against 20 officers believed to be involved, adding that any personnel found guilty would be dealt with under armed forces regulations. The “yeye” controversy first surfaced on Jan 5, when videos circulated on social media showing alleged social gatherings involving uniformed personnel and civilian women inside a military facility, believed to be the Air Force base in Subang. The footage sparked public criticism over discipline and adherence to military regulations. The following day, the Defence Ministry confirmed it had ordered an internal probe into the incident.

Ex-army chief resigns early amid allegations KUALA LUMPUR: Former Army chief Tan Sri Datuk Muhammad

reviewed and improved in line with best practices. “The ministry and the Armed Forces must eradicate corruption and abuse of power that have taken root in the national defence system. There will be zero tolerance for any wrongdoing and those responsible should be prepared to lose everything if they compromise our national security,” he said in his New Year 2026 message at Wisma Perwira. Khaled warned that corruption not only deprives Malaysia of quality