Jeneral Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman has been officially appointed as the 24th Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces. The appointment was officiated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin at Wisma Pertahanan on Tuesday (Feb 3).
During the ceremony, Mohamed Khaled also conferred Malek Razak’s promotion from Leftenan-Jeneral to Jeneral.
The Armed Forces’ Intelligence and Defence Strategic Communication division said the appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the military faces growing expectations to strengthen public trust and uphold institutional credibility amid an increasingly complex security environment.
“The role of the Armed Forces Chief now extends beyond operational command, requiring strong moral authority and a firm commitment to professional military values,” the statement said. “Senior leadership is expected to serve not only as strategic commanders but also as custodians of integrity, discipline, and organisational principles.”
Malek Razak’s appointment coincides with an ongoing period of institutional review and renewal within the Armed Forces, focusing on governance, accountability, and leadership integrity. The statement added that the new chief is tasked with setting a clear strategic direction anchored in transparency and discipline, uniting personnel across all ranks, taking firm action against misconduct, and supporting institutional checks and balances to restore internal resilience.
Mohamed Khaled had announced the appointment on Saturday (Jan 31), noting that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had consented to Malek Razak’s promotion and appointment, following the recommendation of the 633rd (Special) Armed Forces Council meeting on Jan 29.
Malek Razak holds a Diploma in Strategic and Security Studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London, and a Master of Social Science (Defence Studies) from UKM. He began his military career in 1985 as an Overseas Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, and was commissioned as a Second Leftenan on Dec 11, 1987.
Over nearly four decades of service, Malek Razak has held numerous command and staff appointments, starting as a platoon commander with the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment. His most recent post was Western Field Commander of the Army.
Mohamed Khaled expressed confidence that Malek Razak’s leadership, experience, and credibility would strengthen the Armed Forces’ capabilities, uphold professionalism and integrity, and maintain public confidence in Malaysia’s defence institutions.
