THE Defence Ministry has lodged a police report today over two fake letters purportedly awarding contracts for bus services and furniture from two separate companies for the ministry.

The report was lodged by special officer to the defence minister Rafizal Ali at the Wangsa Maju police station station earlier today.

According to Rafizal, the first letter dated December 9, 2018, was from a Kelantan-based company that allegedly bore a special endorsement from Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu to supply furniture worth RM3 million to the armed forces.

He said the letter bore what appeared to be the minister’s signature with a special note requesting for furniture from Kelantan and Perak.

“In the second letter dated January 17, 2019, from the Navy’s Audit and Finance Department, a letter offers bus and vehicle services for an army camp from a company based in Sg Petani,” said Rafizal.

“The letter was compiled with an appointment letter as a supplier for a period of five years, starting February 2019 to February 2024,” said Rafizal.

Following an internal inquiry, both letters were found to be fake and the projects did not exist.

Rafizal said the minister had never issued any support letter for the companies.

“(The) signature, official stamp and notice, as compiled in the letter, did not come from the minister or his office.”

He believed the letters were produced by an agent for both companies.

“The police report is to avoid any slander and accusation that can be used against the minister, his office and the ministry.” – February 26, 2019.