PETALING JAYA: The Armed Forces has stressed that all appointments of senior officers within the organisation are made based on merit, integrity and the country’s strategic defence needs.
Armed Forces said the selection process for officers is carried out professionally and comprehensively, taking into account leadership records, operational experience, competency, professional qualifications and suitability for the position in line with current service requirements.
It said for critical and strategic positions, the element of Subject Matter Expert (SME) is also an important factor, including experience in joint-service assignments, exposure at the national and international levels, as well as the ability to manage cooperation among various agencies and stakeholders.
“The appointment of senior Armed Forces officers is not assessed solely based on an officer’s corps, branch or original service.
“Instead, it is shaped through a combination of command experience, operations, professional military courses, strategic management, joint assignments and international exposure,” it said in a statement on Monday (May 11).
The statement was issued following a media report titled “Lantik pegawai kanan ATM ikut merit”, which alleged the existence of double standards in Armed Forces appointments that could affect fairness, personnel confidence and the institution’s credibility.
The military institution said views expressed by various parties were seen as a sign of concern for the country’s defence institution.
It added that all appointment decisions are made in accordance with legal provisions and structured internal processes to ensure continuity in leadership and confidence in the credibility of the selected officers.
“The Defence Ministry and Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring that every appointment of senior officers is carried out professionally, transparently and based on merit in order to strengthen Armed Forces as a credible national defence institution that continues to earn the people’s trust,” it said.
