In a statement, it said Zamrose’s quote in a Bernama article had been altered in an attempt to smear his image, the national news agency reported.

The article, titled “Armed forces personnel not allowed to participate in GE15 campaign”, published on Nov 6 had quoted Zamrose as saying: “‘However, I have allowed the former defence minister to campaign in any of the army camps where he is contesting.”

The army said the quote, which it branded as fake news, had been circulated on social media.

“The army views this issue seriously and would like to stress that the statement is false.”

It went on to clarify that the army chief, at a recent event, had only reminded army personnel not to get directly involved in campaigns for the GE15.

“This is because it is a violation of the rules set for armed forces personnel.

“In fact, Zamrose had further stated that each army personnel has the right to vote for a candidate of his choice in GE15 to determine the future of the country.”