Kuala lumpur: Chief of Staff at the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Headquarters Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman has been appointed as the 31st Army Chief, with his appointment set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that this decision was made during the 631st Armed Forces Council (MAT) meeting on November 19 and received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on December 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the appointment of Azhan Md Othman is anticipated to bolster the leadership of the Malaysian Army and enhance the operational capability of the MAF to address both current and future defence needs. Mohamed Khaled emphasized that this move is part of a broader strategy to ensure the nation's defence preparedness remains robust.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan as Chief of Defence Force has been postponed. This deferment is due to ongoing investigations into allegations against him, causing him to be directed to take leave. Until the investigation concludes, Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain will assume the duties of the Chief of Defence Force, as announced on December 27.

These actions are part of the Malaysian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of the MAF. The allegations, which involve suspicions of money laundering by a senior MAF officer, were brought to light by political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard. In response, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.