Malaysia Charges Ex-Military Chiefs in Multi-Million Dollar Graft Case

Malaysia has charged its former armed forces chief and former army chief with corruption. The charges are linked to a multi-million dollar contract for military vehicles. General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and General Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim pleaded not guilty in a Kuala Lumpur court. The case centers on a 2015 contract worth 300 million Malaysian ringgit (approximately $63 million USD). Prosecutors allege the men received bribes to influence the government's purchase of armored vehicles from a specific company. The charges are part of a wider investigation into corruption within Malaysia's defense procurement. Both retired generals were released on bail. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison. The trial date has not yet been set. This case is seen as a significant test of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to combat high-level corruption.