New Malaysian Chief Of Defence Force

MALAYSIA received a new Chief of Defence Force (CDF) with the appointment of Lieutenant General Malek Razak Sulaiman to the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) top job. With his appointment, he receives his fourth star and is promoted to General as the 24th CDF.

Defence minister Khaled Nordin said the appointment was made with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King. With a statement reading, “Lt Get Malek has been promoted to the rank of General upon assuming the post. His appointment followed the recommendation of the 633rd (Special) Armed Forces Council meeting held on Thursday and subsequently received the consent of Sultan Ibrahim.

Gen Malek joins a very short list of CDFs appointed without first being the service chief. Traditionally, the CDF is selected from among the three service chiefs.

Prior to his ascension to CDF, Gen Malek was the Malaysian Army Western Field Commander. Gen Malek began his military career in 1985 as an overseas officer cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and was commissioned in 1987 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He began his career as a platoon commander with the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment before serving in various units and holding multiple command and staff appointments.

The statement added, “Based on his extensive experience and proven credibility, the ministry is confident his appointment will strengthen the leadership and capabilities of the Armed Forces in addressing national defence challenges. It will also reinforce the institution’s standing through leadership founded on integrity and professionalism, while maintaining public confidence in the country’s defence forces.