PUTRAJAYA (July 16): Malaysia's investigation committee on administration, procurement and government finance said today that it will begin investigating several projects under the defence ministry for a start. This follows mandate from the government to probe suspicious procurement and asset purchases by ministries.

Investigation committee chairman Tan Sri Ambrin Buang said in a statement today that the committee hopes all ministries and its agencies will cooperate with the committee, whenever needed.

"The committee welcomes any information which can help the committee function effectively," Ambrin said.

At a media briefing here today, Ambrin said the committee has limited manpower, hence, the need to prioritise the list of cases.

“We have a list, but we need to discuss it first. We have limited manpower, so we need to prioritise (certain) cases.  We have wide (ranging) powers...we will discuss which other ministries will be investigated, based on the information we receive.
 
“Anyone can share information with us, we will study and analyse it," Ambrin said.

According to Ambrin, the committee, which reports directly to the prime minister, does not have prosecution power. He said the committee, which started work today, will meet “as and when required”.