Kangar: Active Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) cadets will be exempted from several tests during the selection process for entry into the regular force through the Graduate Cadet Officer training programme, beginning this year. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced this measure in his keynote address at the Defence Minister's Executive Lecture Programme with PALAPES cadets from public universities at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the exemption aligns with Armed Forces Council Order Series 9/2025 and involves the General Knowledge Test, Intelligence Test, Leadership and Planning Test, and Public Speaking Test. Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman was also present during the announcement.
Mohamed Khaled further elaborated that PALAPES graduates can apply for Full-Time Service to fill designated positions at Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) units, ships, bases, and formations. Their existing rank and length of service will be considered, subject to stipulated conditions, if they are absorbed into the regular force.
In a related development, the ministry is proposing legislative amendments to facilitate the return of PALAPES graduates whose commissions have expired but wish to rejoin the Volunteer Force without recommissioning. This amendment is awaiting approval and, if sanctioned, will allow officers to extend their commissions in line with the Armed Forces Act 1972.
The introduction of the Officer Voluntary Enrollment and Reporting Workspace Across Three Command Hubs (OVERWATCH) system was also highlighted by Mohamed Khaled. This system will enable systematic monitoring of the placement, service status, and participation of young PALAPES graduate officers post-commissioning. Virtual reporting will assist graduates from public universities in planning their placement and reporting for duty at Volunteer Force units close to their homes, workplaces, or educational institutions.
Additionally, the ministry plans to review and improve incentives for PALAPES cadets. This includes reviewing the Local Training Attendance Allowance, Annual Bounty, and Specialist Allowance. The MAF is also considering a proposal for PALAPES cadets to undergo industrial training at regular force units and formations. This initiative aims to expose them to the actual working environment and foster greater interest in continuing their service post-commissioning.
During the event, Mohamed Khaled witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Malaysian Army and the Higher Education Ministry. The agreement was signed by Army chief Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman and Higher Education director-general Capt (Honorary) Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman.