Defence Ministry preparing case against retired generals

(The Star) – The Defence Ministry plans to take legal action against retired armed forces generals for their negative comments on the security operations against terrorists in Lahad Datu, says Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He added that such comments by the former senior general staff were malicious and intended to destroy the morale of the Malaysian security forces.

“These retired generals have poisoned the minds of politicians.

“We are looking into the possibility of taking action against this group.

“They (the retired generals) are past their time, but they think they are smarter than our troops today. We will consult the Attorney-General’s Chambers and refer to the Armed Forces’ rules and regulations to see if any action can be taken against them.

“But, we must act cautiously as we do not want to be accused of being undemocratic or of acting maliciously towards them,” he told reporters at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre here yesterday.

He was commenting on the criticisms by several former army generals of the military intelligence over its alleged failure to detect and pre-empt the Lahad Datu incursion.

The former generals had reportedly ridiculed the tactics and strategies taken by authorities in Ops Daulat.

On a separate matter, Dr Zahid Hamidi said that asset procurements would be increased following the creation of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone.