SINGAPORE: Malaysia's former Chief of Defence Force, Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman (pic), has been conferred Singapore’s highest military award, the Distinguished Service Order (Military), for his significant contributions towards strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the award during an investiture ceremony at the Defence Ministry (Mindef) on Thursday (July 31).
Mindef said under his leadership, the armed forces of Singapore and Malaysia continued to enhance long-standing defence ties through professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and various flagship bilateral exercises such as Exercise Malapura, Exercise Semangat Bersatu and Exercise Sarex Malsing.
"These interactions have helped to forge closer rapport and trust between both armed forces,” Mindef said in a statement.
The ministry added that Mohammad’s strong commitment to regional defence cooperation has also seen both armed forces work closely together on platforms such as the Malacca Straits Patrol, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus.
"He also consistently supported multilateral security initiatives, such as the Information Fusion Centre and the Counter Terrorism Information Facility, enhancing regional security and stability,” it said.
Guests at the investiture included Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Malaysia.
Mohammad, who will be here until Aug 3, called on Chan earlier Thursday at Mindef, during which both sides reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral defence ties and expressed commitment to deepen the bilateral defence relationship.
Mohammad served as the 22nd Chief of Defence Force from Sept 6, 2023, to Jan 31, 2025, before retiring after nearly four decades of distinguished service. - Bernama
