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For the first time in history, a former army chief has been charged with corruption
The accused, Tan Sri Hafizuddiean Jantan, served 28 months as the 30th army chief, from September 2023 to December 2025 before being removed amid the allegations.
Appearing at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today, 22 January, Hafizuddiean was charged with four counts of money laundering under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
He is accused of receiving RM2,122,400 from unlawful activities between 2 February 2024 and 7 November 2025, reported FMT.
The 57-year-old allegedly received the money on four occasions into his three bank accounts:
- Between 2 February 2024 and 3 December 2024: Allegedly received RM474,850 into one of his two Maybank bank accounts
- Between 15 January 2025 and 7 November 2025: Allegedly received RM488,550 into one of his two Maybank bank accounts
- Between 12 March 2025 and 21 August 2025: Allegedly received RM190,000 into one of his two Maybank bank accounts
- Between 7 May 2025 and 25 June 2025: Allegedly received RM969,000 into his Bank Muamalat Berhad bank account
It is alleged that the money came from military procurement contracts, with 17 company directors suspected of bribing senior army officers in exchange for supply and maintenance projects.
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in jail and a fine of RM5 million, or at least five times the value of the alleged illicit gains, whichever is higher, reported Malay Mail.
Meanwhile, his second wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, 26, was also charged with four counts of money laundering under the same provision, involving RM77,000
She is accused of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities on four occasions — RM50,000, RM7,000, RM10,000 and RM10,000 — which were allegedly deposited into a bank account belonging to Wany Venture, a company she controlled.
The duo pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Who is Hafizuddiean?
Hafizuddiean, born in Segamat, Johor on 18 April 1968, is a father of three.
Below are the details of his 40-year military career, as reported by Bernama in 2023:
- Received secondary education at the Royal Military College in 1985
- Began service as a cadet officer on 19 August 1986
- Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Malay Regiment in 1988
- Held leadership, staff, and training roles in the army and the Defence Ministry (MINDEF)
- Academic and professional training includes:
- Diploma in Management Science at the National Institute of Public Administration)
- Master of Social Science (Defence Studies) at the Armed Forces Defence College
- Master of Management in the Philippines)
- Infantry Officer Advanced Course in the US
- Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK
- Key appointments:
- Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (2003–2005)
- Chief of Staff, 8th Infantry Brigade Headquarters (2009–2010)
- Chief of Staff, 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters (2016–2017)
- Commander, 5th Malaysian Infantry Brigade (2018–2020)
- Commander, Army Western Field (2021–2023)
Hafizuddiean served as army chief until 31 December 2025, after being instructed to go on leave with immediate effect pending the completion of investigations, reported the New Straits Times.
The month-long probe saw him and his two wives questioned and arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). They were remanded for seven days and appeared at the court complex in orange attire.
What does an army chief do?
According to the organisational chart on the MINDEF official website, the army chief holds the fifth-highest position in the country's defence hierarchy, after the defence minister, deputy minister, secretary general, and defence force chief (CDF), aside from the roles of the King and the prime minister.
Currently, the post of the CDF is vacant, with the role being carried out in an acting capacity by Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, reported Bernama.
To be the army chief, they must be appointed by the King on the advice of the Armed Forces Council, which is chaired by the defence minister.
The army chief's responsibilities are determined by the council as per Article 137(4)(b) of the Federal Constitution, but generally include the command, discipline, and administration of about 80,000 troops.
The army is the land component of the armed forces, which differs from the navy and air force.
It comprises 16 corps and regiments, each with specialised functions and roles based on their expertise and tasks.
These units are divided into three groups: the battle group, the battle support group, and the service assistance group. There is also a regiment of volunteer soldiers.
As head of the army, the chief commands all personnel.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via MKNWhy are the corruption allegations significant?
The military is a nation's key asset, serving as the frontline that protects its sovereignty.
Any weakness or instability in the military is a signal to other countries that the nation is vulnerable.
In his Royal Address in parliament on Monday, 19 January, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, expressed deep disappointment over corruption cases involving senior armed forces officers.
The King warned that corruption at the highest level is a serious breach of trust that undermines national security, reported NST.
