LIEUTENANT-General Datuk Azhan Md Othman is set to become the 31st chief of the Malaysian Army, assuming leadership tomorrow following the placement of General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan on leave on December 27.
The leave allows authorities to conduct an investigation into alleged irregularities in military procurement without any potential conflict of interest.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed that Azhan’s appointment followed the decision of the 631st Armed Forces Council on November 19 and received formal consent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on December 1.
"The appointment is expected to strengthen the leadership of the army and enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces in meeting current and future defence requirements," Khaled said.
Born in Muar, Johor, on September 4, 1969, Azhan began his military career in 1987 as an officer cadet and was commissioned into the Royal Malay Regiment in 1989. An infantry officer by training, he has held key command and staff appointments, including leading the 24th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment, serving as an instructor at the Armed Forces Staff College, and commanding Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-6.
He also served as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division before his appointment as Army Headquarters Assistant Chief of Staff (Operations and Training) in September 2024. Azhan is a graduate of the French Joint Defence College and holds a diploma in strategic and defence studies from Universiti Malaya.
In the interim, the duties of Army Chief have been undertaken by Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, ensuring continuity in leadership while the investigation proceeds.
"The acting appointment aligns with the announcement made on December 27," Khaled said, emphasising that all steps taken uphold the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the Malaysian Armed Forces while maintaining operational readiness.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) launched its investigation on December 23, following a report by activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, who alleged "large cash inflows" into the accounts of a senior officer and family members, purportedly linked to military contracts.
Reports indicate that the probe focuses on projects carried out through open tender processes and procurement under the Army’s Responsibility Centres.
Azhan’s elevation is seen as a stabilising measure to maintain operational continuity and military leadership integrity, reflecting the government’s commitment to accountability and national defence while the investigation into Hafizuddeain continues. - December 31, 2025
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