Kuala Lumpur:His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, conferred the Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera (PGAT) award on the Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman at the 2026 Investiture Ceremony for the Malaysian Armed Forces Gallantry Awards (DKAT).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ceremony, held at the Throne Room of Istana Negara, was part of the 93rd Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Day celebrations. General Malek Razak was among 150 recipients honored in the first session. The event recognized the contributions, service, and sacrifices of MAF officers and personnel in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and security.
Sultan Ibrahim, as the Supreme Commander of the MAF, also awarded the PGAT to Chief of Army General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman. Attendees included Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, and MAF service chiefs and senior officers.
Additionally, Sultan Ibrahim conferred Honorary PGAT awards to four foreign military commanders: General Ukris Boontanondhat of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Rear Admiral Sean Wat of the Republic of Singapore Navy, Brigadier General (Air) Haszahaidi Ahmad Daud of the Royal Brunei Air Force, and Lieutenant General Arthur Mirasol Cordura of the Philippine Air Force.
His Majesty also awarded the Panglima Setia Angkatan Tentera (PSAT) to 22 recipients, the Pahlawan Angkatan Tentera (PAT) to 30 recipients, the Kesatria Angkatan Tentera (KAT) to 49 recipients, and the Bentara Angkatan Tentera (BAT) to 43 recipients.
The DKAT award ceremony is being held in two sessions, with the second scheduled for October 22 at Dewan Perkasa, Wisma Perwira ATM. This session, expected to be officiated by Mohamed Khaled, will involve 490 recipients, bringing the total number of DKAT recipients to 640.