THE Armed Forces (ATM) today confirmed that the escort services provided by its special forces personnel for former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein ended immediately after the May 9 general election.

In a statement today, the Armed Forces said it would take stern action against any serving military officers who are found be to carrying out unauthorised duties.

ATM also said it has conducted an investigation into the matter, but did not disclose its findings.

“The ATM will take necessary action to ensure military personnel do not carry out duties for those who have no link with the government and at the same time, stern action will be taken against anyone found violating the rules,” it said.

Yesterday, The Malaysian Insight reported that Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu, had ordered an immediate investigation into claims that three special forces personnel were working for former minister Hishammuddin.

“I have ordered an investigation to be done immediately and action will be taken if there is any infringement of the law and practices,” Mat Sabu said in a statement on his Facebook page.

He was responding to news reports that two Navy special operation forces (Paskal) personnel and a commando were still in the service of Hishammuddin and were drawing double salaries.

“They are members of the armed forces; they can’t simply work for anyone but they are working with Hishammuddin, not just part-time but full-time,” Malaysiakini had reported quoting a source.

The two Paskal officers are on active duty and are supposed to serve until 2020 and 2021 respectively.

The three officers began escorting Hishammuddin when he became defence minister in 2013.  

The Malaysian Insight is still awaiting a response from Hishammuddin on the matter.

Yesterday, Hishammuddin said in a Twitter post that the three ATM personnel are very close to him and his family, having served them for such a long time. He added that they are currently serving him on a temporary basis.

Hishammuddin also said that he had also offered them employment but they must resign from the ATM with immediate effect if they accept the offer. – August 26, 2018.