Defence secrets leaked

(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: Defence secrets have been leaked to a foreign embassy in the country by armed forces personnel, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi said.

The leak was discovered after investigations by the ministry’s intelligence corps, he said, and issued a stern warning against those responsible.

“I will make a more detailed announcement after meeting the Prime Minister,” he told newsmen after his ministry’s monthly gathering and launch of its blood donation campaign here yesterday.

On whether the information was sold by the personnel, Zahid said: “I believe they have been paid.”

He declined to say how long this had been going on, but said the intelligence corps had previously arrested a number of lower-ranked officers and charged them in military and civil courts.

Earlier in his speech at the gathering, Zahid reminded civil servants and armed forces personnel that they were bound by the Official Secrets Act.

He said they should not forget that the country’s security was one of the main thrusts in ensuring the success of the national development plan.

On another issue, Zahid said the ministry had forwarded an application to the Public Services Department for a raise in salary for military personnel, after the improved pay scheme for the police force was announced earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman said he would wait for a report on the leaked information before making any comment.