PETALING JAYA, May 30 — Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu did not misuse any military assets during a recent trip to the Butterworth Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base, the ministry said today.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) clarified that Mohamad, also known as Mat Sabu, was invited to a “buka puasa” event with RMAF personnel there by the force’s Chief, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang.
“The event is a yearly occurrence and it is the first meeting between Air Force personnel and the (new) defence minister. The minister of defence will also be attending other breaking of fast events with members from the Army and the Navy soon as well.
The statement further clarified that the flight would also benefit the RMAF Airbus A400M aircraft pilots.
“This is because the pilots need to complete their flying hours to maintain their level of competency,” said the statement.
Using the military plane would also save cost and time compared to taking a commercial flight, it said.
Mindef said the flight would also expose Mohamad to the capabilities and credibility of the A400M, which the RMAF uses in its military operations.
Recently, lawyer Abu Backer Sidek Mohamad Zan lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission against Mohamad for alleged misusing military assets.
Abu Backer claimed that each trip could easily cost “at least US$50,000 (RM199,125)”.
It was reported that after the event on Saturday, Mohamad had left the airbase for his hometown of Tasek Gelugor nearby for another “buka puasa” function.
