Gen Datuk Malek Razak Appointed as Malaysia’s 24th Armed Forces Chief

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 3: The appointment ceremony for Malaysia’s 24th Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) was held today at the Auditorium of Wisma Pertahanan, Ministry of Defence, marking a significant leadership transition within the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman was officially appointed as the 24th Chief of Defence Forces during the ceremony, which was officiated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Malaysian Armed Forces, as the institution navigates increasingly complex security challenges while undertaking internal reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence and safeguarding the credibility of the nation’s defence establishment.

In the current evolving security landscape, senior military leadership is expected to demonstrate not only operational excellence but also strong commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability. The new Chief of Defence Forces is tasked with steering the armed forces through a phase of institutional assessment and renewal, with particular emphasis on governance, transparency, and effective checks and balances.

The leadership transition carries a strategic mandate to provide clear direction rooted in discipline, leading by example and adherence to the core values of military service, in line with national defence priorities.

The ceremony was attended by senior defence officials, including Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief Gen. Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri (Dr) Zulhelmy Ithnain, Air Force Chief Gen. Datuk Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, and Chief of Staff of the MAF Headquarters Lt. Gen. Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri, along with senior officers and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces.