Latest news with #MalaysianArmedForces
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Avoid racial speculations in merit-based military promotions: Saifuddin
HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasised that appointments in the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police are based on merit, discipline, and a thorough process, not on race or political views. 'Recently, when an individual was promoted to the rank of two stars, speculative statements emerged. 'The narrative given was as if, if this situation continues, one day the Prime Minister of Malaysia could be Chinese,' Saifuddin said on Saturday. He was addressing recent comments from a PAS grassroots leader, Zaharudin Muhammad, who sparked controversy with a Facebook post suggesting it was 'not impossible' for Malaysia to have an ethnic Chinese prime minister in the future. The post included a photo of Johnny Lim Eng Seng, commandant of the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College, receiving a third-star promotion. Saifuddin criticized narratives that question racial representation in leadership roles. The Home Minister urged avoiding racial perspectives, especially regarding the military, which follows a rigorous promotion process overseen by the Armed Forces Council. 'Not every issue needs to be commented on from a racial perspective, especially regarding the military institution, which is well-versed in the promotion process with screenings and evaluations through the Armed Forces Council,' he said. He also supported a decree by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, discouraging the use of religion for political purposes and efforts to divide racial unity. —June 29, 2025 Main image: New Straits Times
The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
King: Be ready for anything
Well done: Sultan Ibrahim presenting the Sword of Honour award and Special Trophy to Lt Muda Ayman Saharuddin during the ceremony at Kem Perdana, Sungai Besi. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The increasingly challenging and uncertain global political landscape requires the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to remain ever ready and equipped with the latest defence technology to face any eventuality, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. His Majesty said the Iran-Israel war and prolonged conflict in Gaza clearly show that international laws are no longer sufficient to safeguard global peace. 'It is crucial for ATM to always be prepared and equipped with the latest technology to deal with any possibility, as we don't know who is a friend and who is an enemy,' the King said when officiating the commissioning parade and presentation of appointment letters to ATM cadet officers at Kem Perdana in Sungai Besi here yesterday. At the same time, Sultan Ibrahim reminded the government to ensure that there is no political interference or influence from suppliers in all defence procurement processes. 'ATM's top leadership must also always act with integrity and steer clear of corrupt practices. 'As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I will not tolerate anyone who abuses their position for personal gain,' the King added. Sultan Ibrahim also expressed concern over the culture of social media use among military personnel and reminded them not to share everything online, particularly information related to troop deployments, unit locations and other sensitive details. His Majesty said the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel showed how both sides have easily exploited information obtained through technology companies, smart applications and social media to launch attacks. 'I want this to stop immediately. Use sound judgment and refrain from disclosing unnecessary information to the public. It is better to be cautious now than to regret later,' His Majesty said, Bernama reported. The King congratulated the 509 cadet officers who completed their training and reminded them that a military career demands great sacrifices, personal strength, honesty and unwavering loyalty to the King and country. His Majesty also called on them to be leaders who uphold discipline, train their personnel effectively and prioritise their welfare, while also expressing appreciation to the parents who entrusted their beloved children to serve in the armed forces. The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, Chief of Defence Forces Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force chief Jen Datuk Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: Appointments in national security institutions should not be politicised
BALING: Appointments to positions within national security institutions should not be turned into political or racial polemics, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said all appointments, including within the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), are made based on strict screening processes that prioritise merit and service discipline, regardless of race or religion. He said that such issues were non-existent during the 1990s, when officers worked in harmony without regard to ethnicity or background. "Recently, when someone was promoted and received two stars, from one to two, it suddenly became an issue. "Speculative comments then followed, suggesting that if this continues, one day Malaysia could even have a Chinese Prime Minister, and so on. "This is the kind of situation we want to avoid in a multiracial country like Malaysia. Not everything should be viewed through a racial lens. "This is especially true for military institutions. They understand the promotion process well, there's the Armed Forces Council, screening, and various procedures involved," he told reporters after visiting the Sabo Dam construction site along the Kupang River basin here today. Previously, the appointment of Datuk Johny Lim Kean Seng as a Lieutenant General in the ATM drew attention after criticism from Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharuddin Muhammad in a social media post. DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim had reportedly slammed Zaharuddin's statement, describing it as an insult to the wisdom of the ATM and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Following this, Pas also expressed concern over the remarks and said it was reviewing further action in response to the allegations, which were deemed to undermine racial harmony in the country. Commenting further, Saifuddin said racially charged remarks such as those are dangerous and do not reflect the spirit of unity in a multiracial nation like Malaysia. He also upheld the recent decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who warned against the use of religion as a political tool to divide the nation. He said the royal reminder clearly reflected His Majesty's concern for national harmony and should serve as guidance to all, regardless of political affiliation. "National unity must always be prioritised, and all parties should stop magnifying racial issues that could jeopardise the country's stability," he said.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Non-Bumiputeras urged to join MAF as participation remains low
KUALA LUMPUR: Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar has encouraged non-Bumiputera communities to consider joining the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), as their current involvement remains minimal. He emphasised that the MAF offers a unique professional career path distinct from other sectors. Speaking at the commissioning parade and appointment letter presentation for MAF officer cadets at Kem Perdana, Sungai Besi, Mohd Nizam stated, 'I urge all communities to consider joining the MAF. This is where the real challenge begins, and where you will experience the true meaning of professionalism.' The event was attended by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, and the chiefs of the three armed forces branches. A total of 509 officer cadets were commissioned as MAF officers during the ceremony, with 295 from the Malaysian Army, 114 from the Royal Malaysian Navy, and 100 from the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Mohd Nizam highlighted that the event marked the official recognition of their successful military training and the start of their service as junior officers. 'It also underscores the MAF's commitment to nurturing professional, disciplined and high-integrity military leadership dedicated to safeguarding national sovereignty,' he added.
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
King: MAF must stay prepared, equipped with latest defence technology
KUALA LUMPUR — The increasingly challenging and uncertain global political landscape requires that the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) remain ever ready and equipped with the latest defence technology to face any eventuality. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, said the Iran-Israel war and prolonged conflict in Gaza clearly show that international laws are no longer sufficient to safeguard global peace. 'It is crucial for the MAF to always be prepared and equipped with the latest technology to deal with any possibility, as we don't know who is a friend and who is an enemy,' His Majesty said. The King said this when officiating the commissioning parade and presentation of appointment letters to MAF cadet officers at Kem Perdana, Sungai Besi here today. At the same time, Sultan Ibrahim reminded the government to ensure that there is no political interference or influence from suppliers in all defence procurement processes.'MAF top leadership, too, must always act with integrity and steer clear of corrupt practices. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I will not tolerate anyone who abuses their position for personal gain,' said His Majesty. Sultan Ibrahim also expressed concern over the culture of social media use among military personnel and reminded them not to share everything online, particularly information related to troop deployments, unit locations and other sensitive details. He said the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel showed how both sides have easily exploited information obtained through technology companies, smart applications and social media to launch attacks. 'I want this to stop immediately. Use sound judgment and refrain from disclosing unnecessary information to the public. It is better to be cautious now than to regret later,' His Majesty said. Meanwhile, Sultan Ibrahim congratulated the 509 cadet officers who completed their training today and reminded them that a career in the military demands great sacrifices, personal strength, honesty and unwavering loyalty to the king and country. His Majesty also called on them to be leaders who uphold discipline, train their personnel effectively, and prioritise their welfare, while also expressing appreciation to the parents who entrusted their beloved children to serve in the MAF. The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force Chief Gen Datuk Muhamad Norazlan Aris. — BERNAMA
