PASIR GUDANG: The Defence Ministry has been pushing for reforms to the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) organisational structure, career progression and allowances since 2022 to support the development of the Future Force, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said several proposals had been submitted to the Government, with some already approved while others were still under consideration by the Public Service Department (JPA).
He added the ministry began reviewing the MAF’s organisational and staffing structure following the launch of the Future Force concept in 2022 with the aim of ensuring that its structure and manpower matched future defence requirements.
“We have been reviewing the organisational structure and staffing because with the Future Force that we aim to develop, these aspects also need to be reviewed,” he said when met after the Pasir Gudang Barisan Nasional appreciation dinner for its victory in the Permas and Johor Jaya state seats here on Saturday (Aug 8) night.
Mohamed Khaled said the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) had also prompted the ministry to submit several proposals for improvements to JPA since March last year, with some already approved and others still awaiting a decision.
He added the proposals covered three main areas – the MAF’s organisational and staffing structure, improvements to grades and career progression, as well as allowances and facilities for military personnel.
On career progression, Mohamed Khaled said some officers who had already met competency and performance requirements were unable to advance because of vacancies within the existing staffing structure.
“There are officers who are already highly competent, but because there are no vacancies, they cannot be promoted,” he said, adding that there was also a need for reasonable alignment between ranks, grades, levels of responsibility and the strategic roles undertaken by MAF personnel.
Mohamed Khaled said the ministry was also seeking improvements to allowances, taking into account the unique requirements of military professions such as pilots, who are required to undergo various courses and training to improve their skills and competencies.
He added personnel could face difficulties attending courses required for career advancement if there were no specific allowances to support them, stressing that promotion would nevertheless remain based on meritocracy, including performance, competency, integrity and organisational requirements.
Mohamed Khaled said the rapid pace of technological advancement in defence meant the Armed Forces organisational structure and talent management system also needed to evolve quickly, adding that the ministry was awaiting further decisions on its proposals to ensure the reforms would bring tangible benefits to military personnel.
On Friday (Aug 7), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has agreed to expedite the promotion process for Armed Forces and police personnel with details of the new mechanism to be announced on the eve of National Day celebrations on Aug 30.
He said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz are finalising the framework.
Anwar added the issue of delayed promotions was raised directly with him during his visit to Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negri Sembilan last month.
Anwar said the government would also continue strengthening the country's defence capabilities through Budget 2027 while ensuring the welfare of military personnel remains a priority.
