Kuala lumpur: Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain will assume the duties of chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) with immediate effect. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced the appointment following the mandatory retirement of MAF chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Defence expressed its appreciation for General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar's service, leadership, and contributions throughout his tenure as Armed Forces chief, and conveyed its wishes for his smooth retirement. Zulhelmy was appointed as the Navy chief on September 23, succeeding Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob, who retired.

On January 31, Mohd Nizam, aged 59, was appointed as the 23rd Chief of the MAF, making history as the first senior officer outside the existing service chiefs to hold the highest position. Mohd Nizam, an army officer, was promoted to Lieutenant General on February 23 last year and has occupied important roles, including Commandant of the National Defence College, Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command training management director, and Commander of the 2nd Malaysian Army Infantry Brigade.