New armed forces chief named, tenure takes effect tomorrow (that's today)
Published: Jan 31, 2026 10:09 AM
Updated: 3:35 PM
Malek Razak Sulaiman has been appointed as the new armed forces chief, effective Feb 1, said Defence Minister Khaled Nordin.
Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had consented to Malek (above) being promoted to the rank of general and then appointed as the armed forces chief, Bernama reported Khaled as saying.
"This appointment is made in line with the recommendation of the 633rd (Special) Armed Forces Council meeting held on Jan 29, and subsequently received the consent of His Majesty on Jan 30,” he added.
Elaborating, Khaled said Malek started his military career in 1985 and had served as the army’s western field commander.
He was an overseas cadet officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and was commissioned on Dec 11, 1987, with the rank of second lieutenant.
His first post was platoon commander with the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, where he served in various units, holding numerous command and staff appointments.
Defence Minister Khaled Nordin
"His last post before this appointment was western field commander of the army,” Khaled added.
In terms of academic qualification, Khaled said Malek holds a Diploma in Strategic and Security Studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King's College London and a Master of Social Science (Defence Studies) from UKM.
He added that over nearly 40 years of service, Malek has demonstrated exceptional capability, leadership and excellence.
"Based on his extensive experience and proven credibility, the ministry is confident this appointment will strengthen the leadership and capabilities of the armed forces in addressing national defence challenges.
"It will also help restore and reinforce the armed forces’ prestige through leadership founded on integrity and professionalism, in addition to maintaining the public's confidence in the country's defence institution,” he added.
Slew of corruption charges
Malek’s appointment comes on the heels of several high-profile cases which saw the armed forces’ top brass being hauled to court for corruption.
On Jan 23, former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan, who was initially slated to take over as armed forces chief, claimed trial to two counts of receiving proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to RM145,000 at the Shah Alam Sessions Court.
In terms of academic qualification, Khaled said Malek holds a Diploma in Strategic and Security Studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King's College London and a Master of Social Science (Defence Studies) from UKM.
He added that over nearly 40 years of service, Malek has demonstrated exceptional capability, leadership and excellence.
"Based on his extensive experience and proven credibility, the ministry is confident this appointment will strengthen the leadership and capabilities of the armed forces in addressing national defence challenges.
"It will also help restore and reinforce the armed forces’ prestige through leadership founded on integrity and professionalism, in addition to maintaining the public's confidence in the country's defence institution,” he added.
Slew of corruption charges
Malek’s appointment comes on the heels of several high-profile cases which saw the armed forces’ top brass being hauled to court for corruption.
On Jan 23, former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan, who was initially slated to take over as armed forces chief, claimed trial to two counts of receiving proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to RM145,000 at the Shah Alam Sessions Court.
Hafizuddeain Jantan
The day before, at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, he was charged with four counts of receiving over RM2.12 million in proceeds from unlawful activities.
In the same week, former armed forces chief Nizam Jaafar was also charged with four counts of abusing his position and receiving RM752,481.90, as well as criminal breach of trust involving RM3 million.
The day before, at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, he was charged with four counts of receiving over RM2.12 million in proceeds from unlawful activities.
In the same week, former armed forces chief Nizam Jaafar was also charged with four counts of abusing his position and receiving RM752,481.90, as well as criminal breach of trust involving RM3 million.
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