KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to appoint Jeneral Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan as the Armed Forces chief has been postponed, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the decision, which was made by the Armed Forces Council, was postponed as Muhammad Hafizuddeain has been instructed to go on leave pending investigations into him.
“He has been directed to go on leave to allow authorities to conduct investigations into allegations involving him,” Mohamed Khaled said. He added that all measures taken are aimed at upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of the Armed Forces, while ensuring that the task of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty continues to be carried out effectively.
Mohamed Khaled also announced the appointment of Leftenan Jeneral Datuk Azhan Md Othman (pic) as the 31st Army chief, effective today, succeeding Muhammad Hafizuddeain.
He said the appointment of Azhan, 56, who was formerly the Chief of Staff at the Armed Forces headquarters, was made in line with the decision of the 631st Armed Forces Council meeting held on Nov 19 and received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Dec 1.
“The appointment is expected to further strengthen the leadership of the army and enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces in meeting the nation’s current and future defence requirements,” he said.
It was previously reported that Muhammad Hafizuddeain had been placed on leave due to an ongoing investigation linked to him.
“This administrative measure is taken to ensure the investigation process proceeds smoothly without any conflict of interest,” Mohamed Khaled had said.
Previously reports were lodged with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over a suspicious flow of funds, which allegedly had gone into the account of a senior military officer.
Last week, a team of MACC officers visited the Defence Ministry to trace projects implemented through open tender procurement as well as procurements under the Army’s Responsibility Centre (PTJ).
Initial investigations revealed that between 2023 and 2025, there were 158 military procurement projects valued at more than RM500,000 each, while another 4,521 projects were worth below RM500,000.
On Dec 22, Mohamed Khaled said he was aware that a police report had been lodged and that he fully respected the legal process that would follow.
On Dec 27, it was reported that the MACC carried out searches at the army office at the Defence Ministry as well as at the official residence of a senior military officer whereby several high-value items, including luxury watches and handbags were seized.
