KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed 23rd armed forces chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar has pledged to build on the military's progress and elevate it further.
Nizam acknowledged the challenges of his new role, with managing public perception as an immediate priority.
"The armed forces is a dynamic organisation and will now be more open, allowing the public to get to know us better," he said.
"The armed forces will also promote the 'whole-of-government, whole-of-society' approach and reassess how the defence industry can be integrated into Malaysia's overall industrial landscape."
He added that human resources would be a key focus to ensure the armed forces' credibility.
Nizam, who previously held the position of assistant chief of staff for personnel Services, has been appointed as the 23rd armed forces chief effective today.
(https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1168743/lieutenant-general-da...)
His appointment marks a historic break from tradition, as the role was not filled from among the current chiefs of the army, navy, or air force.
(https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1167206/break-tradition-3-sta...)
Following his appointment as the armed forces' top leader, Nizam was promoted from lieutenant-general to general.
He succeeds General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, whose tenure ends today.
(https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1168509/armed-forces-chief-mo...)