Putrajaya's defence spending, as with all government expenses, is taking a back seat to efforts to save ailing bumiputera institutions Lembaga Tabung Haji and Felda, says Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.

Mohamad said on Friday that while his ministry’s allocated expenditure under Budget 2019 remains untouched other than for operations – although it still receives supplementary finances – spending on defence assets will only be done as necessary.