(Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA : The government has agreed in principle to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up promotion processes for personnel in the armed forces and police, while considering a higher defence allocation in the 2027 budget. He said the implementation framework was being finalised by the chief secretary, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and the director-general of public services, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. Anwar said the issue of armed forces’ promotions was raised directly with him during his visit to Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas last month. Speaking at Terendak Camp in Melaka today, Anwar said the government would seek a higher defence allocation in next year’s budget to strengthen military readiness and improve personnel welfare. Anwar said the defence allocation had been increased by more than 35% over the past three years by his government, but more investment was needed to ensure the country’s defence capabilities remain robust.