KUALA LUMPUR: Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman retires today, concluding a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades.
Mohammad will hand over the reins of the nation's armed forces to his successor at a ceremony at the Defence Ministry today.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, he said throughout his career, he witnessed the resilience, discipline and commitment of the men and women in the military.
"Whether on operations, humanitarian missions, safeguarding our sovereignty or strengthening international partnerships, every success has been a testament to the unity and strength of the force. It has been an honour to serve alongside them.
"As I pass the mantle to the next chief of defence force, I do so with full confidence in his leadership and vision.
"I have no doubt that under his command, the armed forces will continue to grow in strength and capability, steadfast in its duty to safeguard our nation," he said.
Over the past two months, Mohammad embarked on a farewell tour of military bases across the country.
On Jan 21 and 22, Mohammad visited Singapore for the traditional meetings that Malaysian armed forces chiefs have before stepping down.
He was greeted by Singaporean Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Heng and called on his Singaporean counterpart, Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng, after inspecting a guard of honour.
Hailing from Machang in Kelantan, Mohammad received his early education at SM Sains, Kelantan, before furthering his studies at the Royal Military College in 1980.
Upon completing his training at RMC in December 1981, he pursued a degree in computer science at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, the United States.
He was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Royal Malay Regiment on July 1, 1987.
He held numerous key positions, including as the military aide to the army chief, a staff officer for the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and acting director of domestic operations at the Joint Forces Headquarters.
He also served as chief of staff for the 3rd Infantry Brigade, chief of staff for the 3rd Infantry Division, senior director at the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security and assistant chief of staff for planning and development at the army headquarters.
The first large unit Mohammad commanded was the 23rd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
He later served as 2nd Infantry Brigade commander, 3rd Infantry Division commander, and Army Training commander, and Western Field Army commander in June 2020.
On Dec 19, 2020, he was appointed deputy army chief, before being promoted to army chief on March 22, 2023. His successor will be known today.
The NST had reported that the next head of the armed forces would likely not be one of the chiefs of the three services — the army, Royal Malaysian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Navy.
It is likely there would be a break in tradition, with the appointment of a three-star lieutenant-general to the nation's top military post.