Hishammuddin announces new Armed Forces chief, army hierarchy reshuffle

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has announced the appointment of the new Malaysian Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Nor effective tomorrow as part of a series of senior appointments involving the three branches of the nation's army.
In a handover of duties ceremony held at the Defence Ministry headquarters, here, Raja Mohamed Affandi replaces outgoing Gen Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin who is set to retire today.
In thanking the Yang-di Pertuan Agong for giving the ascent to his appointment to the post as the 19th Armed Forces chief Raja Mohamed Affandi expressed hope that he will be able to execute the duties given to him in the best manner possible.
"I shall endeavour to discharge my duties and pledge my loyalty to the King, Minister, the army and my country," he said during his speech following the ceremony.
In a series of new appointments, Raja Mohamed Affandi who was previously the Army chief has been replaced by Gen Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim effective today.
While Zulkiple who was previously the West Field Commander was replaced by Lt Gen Datuk Azizan Md Delin.
Lt Gen Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zuki takes over Azizan's position as Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS) chief executive.
Additionally Hishammuddin also announced Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Gen Tan Sri Roslan Saad will be replaced by his deputy Lt Gen Datuk Seri Affendi Buang effective Dec 21.
Affendi will be promoted to the rank of General as Roslan heads for retirement while his position will be filled in by Lt Gen Datuk Seri Ackbal Abdul Samad.
Lt Gen Datuk Seri Mutalib Ab Wahab assumes Ackbal's previous position as Air Operations Commander. While Major Gen Datuk Wan Normazlan Che Jaafar assumes Mutalib's previous position as Air Support Commander and promoted to the rank of Lt Gen.
For the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Hishamuddin announced the appointment of First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman as RMN'S Aid Commander and promoted to Vice Admiral.
The appointment is to replace Vice Admiral Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who will be retiring on Jan 8, next month.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin praised the Armed Forces over the smooth transition of duties between all personnel.