Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said several issues had been raised, mainly concerning the procurement of military assets.

In an interview with Bernama, he said the special investigation committee on procurement, governance and finance, headed by former auditor-general Ambrin Buang, would look into the allegations.

These include former minister Rafidah Aziz’s claim that all armed forces land in the country had been privatised without open tender.

“We also raised the matter of the purchase of the Scorpene-class submarines, the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu and so on, many issues,” he said.

Mohamad, who was sworn in as defence minister on May 21, said he believed that the special investigation committee would be able to unravel the allegations and set the record straight, so as to change the people’s negative perception which could undermine the ministry’s image.

He added that there would be no major change in the ministry’s policies except for improvements in their implementation.

He said these policies included military cooperation with neighbouring countries in monitoring the surrounding waters, and the commitment to strengthen the agreement on the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality in Southeast Asia.

Mohamad also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of armed forces personnel and maintaining their readiness to defend national security and sovereignty.

“Our current national financial and economic positions require us to make adjustments. However, the welfare and preparedness of our military cannot be compromised,” he said.

He added that projects initiated by the previous government, such as the King Salman Centre for International Peace and the National Service Training Programme, would be subjected to an in-depth study with a proposal submitted to the Cabinet for a decision.