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Sinar Daily
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
"There's no greater honour" Johnny Lim on shared duty for all, encourages more Chinese to join service
SHAH ALAM – Defending the nation is not the responsibility of any one race, but a collective duty that must be embraced by all Malaysians, including the Chinese community. National Resilience College (NRC) Commandant newly-minted Lieutenant General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng called for a shift in mindset and greater participation across all ethnic groups in national defence. Lim said the current composition of the Malaysian Armed Forces shows an overwhelming majority of Malay personnel, with only a small fraction representing the Chinese community. 'There are currently fewer than 300 Chinese personnel in the military, both officers and other ranks, which amounts to just 0.03 per cent out of 85,000. That is a very small number,' he said during an exclusive interview with Sinar Daily at the NRC in Putrajaya. He urged the Chinese community to view national service as an honour, not a burden. 'There's no greater honour than serving your country. The experiences you gain in the military cannot be replicated elsewhere or measured in monetary terms,' he said, adding that he had previously written to encourage more Chinese youth to join the armed forces. Lim, who served with distinction, described military life as deeply fulfilling and said serving alongside fellow Malaysians instilled strong values such as discipline, teamwork and leadership. Reflecting on past trends, he noted that the Chinese community once had greater representation in the military, particularly during the formative years of Malaysia's defence forces. However, over time, these numbers declined. To reverse this trend, he said various initiatives have been introduced including relaxed entry requirements at one stage, particularly for enlisted ranks. While officer recruitment continues to uphold rigorous standards, efforts were continously being made to attract more Chinese Malaysians to consider the military as a career path. He pointed out that the military continues to uphold strict selection standards and medical screenings, with even more rigorous processes in place for officer candidates, who must undergo multiple rounds of assessment. In today's increasingly technology-driven environment, he added, the focus is on recruiting capable individuals with the skills needed to operate advanced military systems. Image for illustrative purposes only. - CANVA Lim acknowledged that cultural and economic factors may contribute to lower Chinese participation such as the pursuit of more lucrative or secure careers in the private sector. 'Not everyone is suited for military life; it's tough, both physically and mentally. The same goes for leadership. A true leader must earn the trust of their team and inspire confidence,' he said. Nonetheless, he stressed that national defence must be a shared responsibility and that patriotism should be cultivated from an early age. He said that a sense of national duty should be nurtured among all Malaysians, irrespective of race, with schools and the education system playing a crucial role in building this awareness from an early age. Recalling his own formative years, Lim shared how he joined the cadet corps in school and attended training camps during term breaks. 'Even as a teenager, I learned how to handle a weapon safely and more importantly, I learned about discipline, teamwork and what it means to be part of something greater than yourself,' he said, adding that he had always dreamt of joining the service since young. He also expressed support for the government's recent move to reintroduce the National Service Training Programme (PLKN 2.0), calling it a positive step in nurturing patriotism among youth, particularly within the Chinese community. According to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, as of May 2024, the Malaysian Armed Forces comprises 85.81 percent Malays, 8.0 percent Bumiputera from Sarawak, 6.9 percent Bumiputera from Sabah, 1.5 percent Indians, 0.5 percent Chinese, 0.8 percent Indigenous communities and 0.6 percent from other ethnic groups. Following the announcement of his promotion, a Pas leader sparked controversy after speculating that Malaysia could see its first prime minister of Chinese descent within the next 30 to 40 years. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharudin Muhammad painted a hypothetical scenario in which Malaysia's 50th prime minister in the year 2058 would be a Chinese individual born in Kampung Sungai Baru. His comments drew criticism online, with many accusing him of stoking racial sentiments and promoting divisive narratives. Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has since clarified that the post reflected the personal opinion of the individual involved and was 'entirely contrary' to the party's policies and values. 'The appointment of Datuk Johnny Lim is a historic event that should be celebrated by all Malaysians, not questioned - much less belittled - simply because of his ethnic background,' Takiyuddin said. In 2018, similar concerns were raised by Pas leaders following the appointments of Richard Malanjum as Chief Justice, Tommy Thomas as Attorney-General, and Lim Guan Eng as Finance Minister. At the time, Pas leaders questioned the suitability of non-Malays and non-Muslims holding top national posts. Both Malanjum and Thomas are Christians.
Rakyat Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
A- Grades Now Count As A for Matriculation Entry, Malaysian Chinese Thank MCA
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysian Chinese are thanking MCA after the government reversed its university matriculation policy to allow all 10A SPM students entry, including those with A- grades. It all started when 260 students who scored 10A in their SPM exams were initially rejected because some had A-s, despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's promise that all 10A students would get automatic entry. MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong jumped on the issue, revealing that his party fought for the students, The government's policy reversal on 25 June allowed A- grades to be considered equivalent to A grades, marking the first time in Malaysia's history that matriculation entry is determined purely by academic merit, regardless of race. Social media exploded with 'Thank you MCA' messages – a welcome change for the embattled party. The Ultimate Social Media Burn Speaking at a dinner in Melaka, Dr Wee addressed politicians rushing to claim credit with diplomatic restraint: 'Many people want to claim credit… Justice lies in the hearts of the people – feel free to claim credit.' 'When I saw these excellent students being shut out, my heart was bleeding,' Dr Wee said, adding there's no need for thanks since speaking up against injustice is simply his duty. The gratitude got so overwhelming that when DAP leaders posted on Facebook announcing the matriculation success, social media users flooded their comment sections with '谢谢马华' (Thank you MCA). Talk about awkward – like throwing a party and having guests thank the neighbour for organising everything. From 37 Seats to 2: Why This 'Thank You' Matters For MCA, this rare moment of public appreciation is precious – the party has watched its Chinese voter support shrink for years, with just two parliamentary seats currently from 37 in 1986. Whether this matriculation victory marks a political comeback or just a brief respite from irrelevance remains to be seen. Dr Wee made clear MCA won't stay quiet: 'MCA will not become a silent party and will play its role in oversight and checks and balances.' For now, they're probably just enjoying Chinese Malaysians actually saying 'thank you' instead of 'no thanks' at the ballot box. However, some Malaysians have expressed concern that matriculation programs, originally designed to help Malay and Bumiputra students, are now fully merit-based and open to all races, with fears that institutions like Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Parts of this story have been sourced from Share your thoughts with us via TRP's .
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Chinese veterans group urges more community members to join armed forces
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Chinese Association for Veterans Affairs (MACVA) has urged more Chinese Malaysians to join the Malaysian Armed Forces. MACVA president Lieutenant Colonel (R) Wong Ah Jit said previous generations of the Chinese community had also served and defended the country. "A military career is not an easy path, but it builds character, instils discipline, develops leadership and, most importantly, provides an opportunity for young people to be directly involved in nation-building and shoulder the responsibility of protecting the people. "The current generation should continue this tradition and ensure the Chinese community continues to have a voice, presence and contribution in the armed forces," he said in a statement today. Wong said MACVA called on Chinese families and community organisations nationwide to support their young people in exploring military service, and encourage them to don the uniform proudly and build meaningful careers in national defence. "This is our country, our land, and national defence should not be without the presence and contribution of the Chinese community. "Joining the military does not mean giving up on dreams. It means choosing a different path with greater challenges," he said.
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
From Sandhurst to stars: Johnny Lim and the breaking of Malaysia's military glass ceiling — Phar Kim Beng and Luthfy Hamzah
JUNE 27 — In an era when the question of unity in diversity remains a perennial national debate, Malaysia has quietly marked a historic milestone: for the first time in its 62-year military history, an ethnic Chinese officer has risen to the coveted rank of lieutenant general. Lieutenant General Johnny Lim Eng Seng's recent promotion is not just a personal triumph. It is a deeply symbolic moment for Malaysia — a nation that continues to wrestle with balancing ethnic representation across its key institutions. In Lim's elevation, we see the promise of a more inclusive national identity, one that can be rooted in meritocracy, professionalism, and unity, rather than race, religion or origin. Breaking the mould in a Malay-dominated institution The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have long been viewed — rightly or wrongly — as a bastion of ethnic Malay dominance. With more than 86 per cent of its senior officers from the Malay-Muslim majority, the upper echelons of the military have remained relatively closed to minorities, despite the country's multiethnic composition. That Lieutenant General Johnny Lim has now become the first ethnic Chinese to attain the rank of three-star general among an estimated 113,000 active Chinese servicemen — who make up just 0.13 per cent of Malaysia's armed forces — represents a significant breakthrough not only for the Chinese Malaysian community, but also for other long-underrepresented groups in national defence, including Indians (1.4 per cent), the Orang Asli, and other non-Malay communities (12 per cent). It is a reminder that the military, above all, is a national institution — not a communal one — and it is the collective duty of all Malaysians to serve and be represented in it. A career forged in discipline, loyalty and dedication Lim's journey is nothing short of exemplary. He joined the Malaysian Army in 1984, during the tail-end of the Communist insurgency — a time when national security was still very much at risk. Rising through the ranks, he served in various field and staff commands, including as Brigade Commander of the 31st Infantry and later as Army Inspector-General. A proud alumnus of the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, he also pursued graduate studies at the University of Canberra and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. His strategic acumen was further sharpened by training at Korea's National Defence University, where he mastered Korean — an extraordinary feat, showing cultural discipline alongside martial professionalism. Lim's current role as Commandant of the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College, where he oversees the education of future military leaders, is a fitting testament to a career defined not by ethnicity but by sheer competence and contribution. Major-General Johnny Lim (centre) was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general, making him the first Malaysian Chinese officer to attain the three-star rank. — Picture via Facebook Symbolism and substance This promotion could not have come at a more critical time. With Malaysia facing an increasingly complex strategic environment — from great power rivalry in the South China Sea to rising cyber threats and terrorism — national unity and resilience cannot afford to be superficial. Diversity in the ranks, particularly among leadership, enhances operational cohesion, cultural sensitivity and even diplomatic soft power. Yet, the road ahead remains challenging. While Lim's rise is a watershed moment, it is not yet a trend. Systemic barriers and unspoken biases still hinder wider minority recruitment into Malaysia's military. Cultural misconceptions and economic disincentives also continue to dissuade many non-Malays from choosing a career in defence. Indeed, even Lim's promotion did not escape the undercurrent of Malaysia's ethnic fault lines. A grassroots leader from the Islamist party PAS questioned the implications of a non-Malay holding such a senior position — a comment that triggered backlash and prompted the party to distance itself from the remark, labelling it as 'racist' and 'regrettable'. The episode serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly even national achievements can be reframed through sectarian lenses. From tokenism to transformation For Lim, the significance of his achievement lies not in the title but in what it could inspire. 'I'm proud to be the first,' he said, 'but I hope I'm not the last.' His call should resonate loudly across Malaysia: representation must never stop at symbolism. It must translate into institutional transformation — where all Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity, feel ownership of and belonging in the nation's defence, governance and future. This moment must also compel the government to revisit and renew its efforts to make military careers attractive and accessible to all communities. Scholarships, public outreach, inclusive recruitment drives and clear career progression pathways must be institutionalised across the Ministry of Defence and the MAF. The goal should be not just tolerance, but full integration. Malaysia's true strength Lieutenant General Johnny Lim Eng Seng is not merely a figurehead. He is the embodiment of a Malaysia that can be. One that affirms, as our Rukun Negara proclaims, 'courtesy and morality,' but also meritocracy and multiracialism. His journey from the jungles of 1980s counterinsurgency to the strategic halls of the Defence College offers a living lesson: that national strength lies not in exclusion but in inclusion. In a world increasingly shaped by fragmentation and fear, Malaysia's example — if it can be sustained — could serve as a quiet but powerful counterpoint. A nation secures not because it suppresses differences, but because it celebrates them. Let us then salute not only a soldier but also a scholar whose achievement marks a defining step in the nation's long march toward a more just, equal and united Malaysia. * Phar Kim Beng is Professor of Asean Studies at International Islamic University Malaysia, a Cambridge Commonwealth Fellow, and former Harvard Head Teaching Fellow. Luthfy Hamzah is Senior Research Fellow at Strategic Pan Indo Pacific Arena, Kuala Lumpur. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Prevent an imbalance of civil servants, only 5.4% are Chinese Malaysians
THE low representation of Chinese Malaysians in the civil service is a cause for concern. The government must take proactive measures to encourage greater participation from young Chinese Malaysians in national administration, ensuring governance reflects the voice of all citizens. Few Chinese Applicants, but Highest Interview Success Rates Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
