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Focus Malaysia
03-07-2025
- General
- Focus Malaysia
'Our country, our land': MACVA calls for Malaysian Chinese youth participation in military
THE Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association (MACVA) has expressed support for the recent call by Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar for greater participation of non-Bumiputera communities into the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). Citing official data, MACVA said of the 509 newly commissioned officer cadets, only eight are of Chinese descent. This low figure is a matter of concern and reflects the need for greater Chinese representation in the national defence sector. 'A military career is no easy path, but it builds character, instills discipline, develops leadership, and most importantly, provides young people with a chance to directly participate in nation-building and take on the noble responsibility of protecting the rakyat,' said its president Lt. Col. (Rtd) Wong Ah Jit. According to Wong, Chinese forefathers once proudly served and defended the nation, leaving behind a legacy of honour and sacrifice. 'Today's generation should carry forward this tradition and ensure the Chinese community continues to have a voice, presence, and contribution within the armed forces,' he stressed. 'Joining the military does not mean giving up on one's dreams. It means choosing a different path—one filled with broader horizons and greater challenges. 'Whether in the jungles of Sabah, the waters of the Malacca Strait, or on international peacekeeping missions, military personnel are the nation's protectors and part of a diverse, united society.' Wong went on to call on Chinese families and community organisations nationwide to support their youths in exploring the path of military service and to encourage them to don the uniform with pride and build a meaningful career in national defence. 'This is our country, our land—and national defence should never be without the presence and contribution of the Chinese community,' he remarked. On June 24, the ATM marked a historic milestone as Mejar Jeneral Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng was promoted to the rank of Leftenan Jeneral, making him the first Chinese senior officer to attain the prestigious three-star rank in the country's military. ‒ July 3, 2025 Main image: Defence Ministry

Barnama
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Non-Bumiputeras Urged To Join MAF As Participation Remains Low
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar has called for greater participation of non-Bumiputera communities in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), noting that their current representation remains low. He said the MAF should be seen as a viable career choice, offering a professional environment distinct from other fields. '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,' he told reporters after the commissioning parade and presentation of appointment letters to MAF officer cadets at Kem Perdana, Sungai Besi here today.


The Sun
28-06-2025
- 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.


New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Armed forces calls for greater ethnic diversity in military ranks
KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces is calling for greater ethnic diversity within its ranks, as part of ongoing efforts to elevate the professionalism and inclusivity of the nation's defence sector. Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, said that while the majority of newly commissioned officer cadets were Malay, the military remains firmly open to recruits from all backgrounds, describing the career as both demanding and highly respected. "Of the 509 officer cadets commissioned today, 466 are Malays, while 14 are Indians, eight Chinese, four Bugis, and the rest comprise various ethnicities, including Rungus, Suluk, Sikh, and Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak, totalling around 20. "I urge everyone, especially those from non-Malay communities, to consider the MAF as a viable career path—one that offers opportunities equal to other professional fields," he said. He made these remarks during a press conference following the 2025 MAF Royal Commissioning Parade for Officer Cadets at the Army Chief's Parade Ground in Kem Perdana Sungai Besi here today. He added that all officer cadets commissioned today not only received their commissions but also graduated with degrees in various fields that will contribute to the MAF's future development. A total of 509 officer cadets were commissioned at the ceremony, comprising those who completed training at the Armed Forces Training Academy (AFTA), the Army Training Academy (ATA), the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Sultan Idris I (KDSI I), and the Royal Malaysian Air Force College – Officer Training School (RMAF – OTS). The ceremony also saw Second Lieutenant Muhamad Amir Akhtar Saiful Azmi named best overall cadet officer. Other top honours went to - Lt Adam Daniel Suhaily (Best Army Cadet – Afta), Lt Azrul Naiem Shah Amer (Best Navy Cadet – Afta), Lt Fazril Azim Shaharuddin (Best Air Force Cadet – Afta), Lt Mohamad Syahmezan Amat (Best Army Cadet – Ata), Lt Ayman Saharuddin (Best Navy Cadet – KDSI I), Lt Muhamad Shahrul Amran (Best Air Force Cadet – RMAF – OTS). Nation Jan 31, 2025 @ 7:17am New armed forces chief vows to boost military's credibility Nation Feb 4, 2025 @ 1:39am Nizam plans to manage public perception of armed forces Nation Feb 4, 2025 @ 4:25am End factionalism, embrace integrity, says armed forces chief Nation Feb 4, 2025 @ 1:17am Strong human capital key to military resilience, says new armed forces chief


Sinar Daily
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Johnny Lim becomes first Chinese Lieutenant General in MAF history
The promotion reflects the MAF's commitment to the principles of meritocracy and inclusiveness in recruitment and career development. 24 Jun 2025 03:04pm In a statement today, the MAF said the promotion ceremony was officiated by Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar yesterday and witnessed by all service chiefs. KUALA LUMPUR - Major General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng made history in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) by becoming the first Chinese officer to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. In a statement today, the MAF said the promotion ceremony was officiated by Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar yesterday and witnessed by all service chiefs. The Melaka-born officer had his early education at St Francis Primary School, Melaka, from 1973 to 1978, before continuing his studies at St Francis Secondary School, Melaka, from 1979 to 1983. According to the statement, the Melaka-born officer had his early education at St Francis Primary School, Melaka, from 1973 to 1978, before continuing his studies at St Francis Secondary School, Melaka, from 1979 to 1983. Lim joined the Officer Cadet Training Programme under the 25th Regular Commissioning Course and subsequently underwent military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, before being commissioned into the Royal Ranger Regiment. The statement added that the promotion reflects the MAF's commitment to the principles of meritocracy and inclusiveness in recruitment and career development. "It is also hoped that this will encourage greater participation from all ethnic groups in military careers, making the MAF a leading example of the 'Unity in Diversity' concept and national unity," the statement said. - BERNAMA