HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, expressed his hopes today that the Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia, TDM) remains respected and trusted by the people as a professional and corruption-free institution, charged with defending the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Through a Facebook post, Sultan Ibrahim offered firm guidance to the newly appointed Chief of Army (Panglima Tentera Darat, PTD), emphasising that all personnel must adhere strictly to the values of integrity and trust in carrying out their duties.
“Previously, I have repeatedly stressed the issue of ‘middlemen’ or agents within the Ministry of Defence… these individuals should not be allowed entry,” he wrote.
The King warned that corruption is the principal threat to the strength and credibility of the nation’s armed forces and that any abuse of power or misconduct is entirely unacceptable.
He also highlighted that leadership anchored in integrity must begin at the highest levels, with the Chief of Army serving as a model in cultivating clean, transparent, and accountable governance.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim received General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, the new Chief of Army, at Istana Bukit Tunku in Kuala Lumpur. General Azhan officially assumed the role as the 31st PTD on 1 January, following approval by the Armed Forces Council on 19 November 2025 and the royal consent granted on 1 December 2025.
This royal message underscores the monarchy’s insistence on principled leadership as essential for a capable, disciplined, and trustworthy Malaysian Army. - January 7, 2025
