KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has firmly advised newly-appointed Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman to ensure that all personnel of the Malaysian Army (TDM) uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust in the discharge of their duties.
His Majesty stressed that corruption is the main enemy of the strength and credibility of the nation’s defence forces, and that any form of abuse of power or misconduct is completely unacceptable.
As the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Sultan Ibrahim also reminded that leadership rooted in integrity must begin at the highest level, and that the Army Chief must lead by example in cultivating clean, transparent and accountable governance.
According to a post on the Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, His Majesty also expressed hope that TDM will continue to be respected and trusted by the people as a professional force free from corrupt practices in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
“Previously, I have repeatedly stressed the issue of ‘middlemen’ or agents at the Ministry of Defence ... they should not be allowed in at all,” Sultan Ibrahim said, Bernama reported.
Earlier yesterday, His Majesty granted an audience to the new Army Chief at Istana Bukit Tunku here.
Azhan was officially appointed as the 31st Malaysian Army Chief with effect from Jan 1.
The appointment was in line with the decision of the 631st Armed Forces Council meeting held on Nov 19 last year and received the consent of Sultan Ibrahim on Dec 1.
Several photographs of the meeting between Sultan Ibrahim and Azhan were also uploaded with the post.
The King also granted an audience to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad yesterday, who was appointed to the post on Dec 16.
The meeting included a briefing on the ministry’s plans and strategic direction.
Also present was the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof.
Noraini, who is also Parit Sulong MP, was appointed Plantation and Commodities Minister following a Cabinet reshuffle on Dec 16.
Following this, the King also granted an audience to Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim.
“His Majesty agreed to be presented with a briefing on the ministry’s plans, including strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises.
“Sultan Ibrahim said SMEs are among the pillars in efforts to improve the people’s economy, in addition to playing an important role in creating job opportunities and generating household income,” read the statement on His Majesty’s Facebook page.
His Majesty added that continued support from the government and relevant agencies is important in ensuring that SMEs remain competitive and sustainable in the long term.
The post also included pictures of the meeting between His Majesty and Sim, who wore a dark suit and songkok.
