MALEK RAZAK'S APPOINTMENT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MAF'S COMPREHENSIVE INSTITUTIONAL RESET

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- The Appointment of General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman as the 24th Chief of Defence Force (CDF) provides a strategic opportunity for a comprehensive institutional reset covering the work culture, management systems, and leadership practices of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

In a statement, MAF Headquarters said that the new appointment carries an important mandate to set a clear direction based on transparency, discipline, and adherence to the core values of military service.

“As the CDF, the leadership shown functions not only through the command structure but is also rooted in moral authority capable of uniting all members of the MAF.

“An approach of leadership by example, firmness against misconduct, and support for a system of checks and balances are seen as vital foundations in restoring the internal strength of the organization,” the statement read in conjunction with the Rank Insignia and Handover Ceremony for the 24th CDF at Wisma Pertahanan here, today.

The ceremony was officiated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and attended by Deputy Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Army General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Dr. Zulhelmy Ithnain, and Chief of Air Force General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

The MAF Headquarters stated that the appointment of the CDF is significant for the MAF at this time, as the national defense institution faces major challenges in reinforcing public confidence and preserving organizational credibility.

“In the increasingly complex current security landscape, the top leadership of the MAF is not only required to be competent from an operational standpoint but also to serve as a driver of military values and professional principles,” the statement added.

On January 31, Mohamed Khaled announced in a statement that Malek Razak, who previously served as the Army Western Field Commander, was appointed as the new CDF effective February 1.

Mohamed Khaled said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had consented to Malek Razak's promotion from Lieutenant General to General and his subsequent appointment as CDF.

Malek Razak, 60, began his career as an Overseas Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, United Kingdom in 1985 before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on December 11, 1987.

Throughout nearly 40 years of service, he has held various key positions, including Platoon Commander in the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

-- BERNAMA