Armed forces calls for greater ethnic diversity in military ranks
KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces is calling for greater ethnic diversity within its ranks, as part of ongoing efforts to elevate the professionalism and inclusivity of the nation's defence sector.
Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, said that while the majority of newly commissioned officer cadets were Malay, the military remains firmly open to recruits from all backgrounds, describing the career as both demanding and highly respected.
"Of the 509 officer cadets commissioned today, 466 are Malays, while 14 are Indians, eight Chinese, four Bugis, and the rest comprise various ethnicities, including Rungus, Suluk, Sikh, and Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak, totalling around 20.
"I urge everyone, especially those from non-Malay communities, to consider the MAF as a viable career path—one that offers opportunities equal to other professional fields," he said.
He made these remarks during a press conference following the 2025 MAF Royal Commissioning Parade for Officer Cadets at the Army Chief's Parade Ground in Kem Perdana Sungai Besi here today.
He added that all officer cadets commissioned today not only received their commissions but also graduated with degrees in various fields that will contribute to the MAF's future development.
A total of 509 officer cadets were commissioned at the ceremony, comprising those who completed training at the Armed Forces Training Academy (AFTA), the Army Training Academy (ATA), the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Sultan Idris I (KDSI I), and the Royal Malaysian Air Force College – Officer Training School (RMAF – OTS).
The ceremony also saw Second Lieutenant Muhamad Amir Akhtar Saiful Azmi named best overall cadet officer.
Other top honours went to - Lt Adam Daniel Suhaily (Best Army Cadet – Afta), Lt Azrul Naiem Shah Amer (Best Navy Cadet – Afta), Lt Fazril Azim Shaharuddin (Best Air Force Cadet – Afta), Lt Mohamad Syahmezan Amat (Best Army Cadet – Ata), Lt Ayman Saharuddin (Best Navy Cadet – KDSI I), Lt Muhamad Shahrul Amran (Best Air Force Cadet – RMAF – OTS).
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