From ‘yeye’ fun to security threat: What Malaysian Armed Forces’ camp scandal reveals

Plagued by recurring scandals, Malaysia’s military faces a crisis of confidence that is damaging its public standing and eroding trust within the ranks.

PHOTO: MALAYSIA ARMED FORCES/FACEBOOK

Muzliza Mustafa

Malaysia's military personnel face disciplinary action for "yeye" culture: covert gatherings with alcohol and intimacy, risking Armed Forces' credibility.
Security analysts warn "yeye" gatherings create counterintelligence vulnerabilities, exploited by foreign agencies or contractors for information.
Defence Minister vows punishment, aiming for cultural change to address governance problems and restore trust in the Armed Forces.

AI generated

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Armed Forces are trained to guard the nation against external threats, but one of their most serious vulnerabilities today may come from within.

Twenty-one Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) personnel

now face disciplinary action

for illicit activities in a military camp, a scandal that Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on Jan 12 has contributed to the “ugly and distorted views” of the military, threatening its credibility.

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Malaysia

Defence and military

Corruption

Prostitution/Commercial sex