Defence Minister announces new Army chief appointment effective Jan 1, replacing outgoing Gen Hafizuddeain
PETALING JAYA: Lieutenant-General Datuk Azhan Md Othman has been named Malaysia’s 31st Army chief, with his appointment taking effect from January 1 (tomorrow).
The Armed Forces Headquarters Chief of Staff will replace General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan in the top military post.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the appointment was authorised during the 631st Armed Forces Council meeting held on November 19, subsequently receiving royal consent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on December 1.
“The appointment is expected to strengthen the leadership of the army and enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces in meeting current and future defence requirements,” Khaled stated.
Born in Muar, Johor, on September 4, 1969, Azhan launched his military journey as an officer cadet in 1987. He received his commission into the Royal Malay Regiment in 1989, marking the beginning of a distinguished 36-year career in the armed forces.
As a trained infantry officer, he has accumulated extensive experience across multiple command and staff roles throughout his service.
His military portfolio includes several key positions:
- Commanding Officer of the 24th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment
- Instructor at the Armed Forces Staff College
- Commander of Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-6
- Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division
- Army Headquarters Assistant Chief of Staff (Operations and Training) from September 2024
Lt-Gen Azhan is a graduate of the French Joint Defence College and holds a diploma in strategic and defence studies from Universiti Malaya, credentials that complement his operational experience with strategic understanding.
The appointment comes following the placement of Hafizuddeain on immediate leave effective December 27, pending an ongoing investigation by authorities.
Khaled had previously explained that the leave arrangement was implemented to prevent any potential conflict of interest during the investigative process.
While official statements have not detailed the specific nature of the probe, media reports indicate that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has intensified inquiries into military procurement matters.
The investigation was initiated on December 23 following a report filed by activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, commonly known as Chegubard, who serves as Port Dickson Bersatu chief.
His complaint alleged that substantial cash deposits were identified in bank accounts belonging to a senior officer and family members, supposedly originating from companies awarded military contracts.
The swift appointment of Azhan ensures continuity in army leadership during this transitional period, maintaining command stability within Malaysia’s defence framework as the armed forces navigate both operational requirements and internal matters.
