Malaysia's first Chinese Leftenan Jeneral
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) marked a historic milestone as Mejar Jeneral Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng was promoted to the rank of Leftenan Jeneral – making him the first Chinese senior officer to attain the prestigious three-star rank in the country's military.
The Melaka-born officer, who received his new rank in a ceremony officiated by Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, with all service chiefs in attendance on Monday, said he was very proud of the achievement.
'It is truly something special. To say I am very proud of the achievement is an understatement.
'All the sacrifices made have been worth it,' he said.
Lim, who has served in the military for 41 years, said he joined the army in 1984, to help in the effort against communist insurgents.
'Being the eldest child, my late mother was initially reluctant (to let me join the army). She hoped that I would opt for another career.
'However, her love for me erased all doubts and she eventually gave her blessing,' he recalled.
Lim said working hard is the key to being successful in any field, especially in the military.
'Not only that, you get to serve your country with pride and the rewards cannot be replicated in monetary terms.
'There is no greater honour than to serve with the men and women of the military,' he said.
Lim's promotion represents a significant moment not just for ATM, but also for the broader narrative of diversity and unity in Malaysia's defence institutions, the ATM said in a statement.
'Lim's military journey began with his early education at St Francis Primary School in Melaka (1973–1978), followed by secondary school at St Francis Secondary School (1979–1983).
'He later joined the 25th intake of the Regular Commissioning Course, before undergoing officer training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
'Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the Royal Ranger Regiment,' the ATM said.
'His rise to Leftenan Jeneral is a testament to the Armed Forces' commitment to meritocracy and excellence. The promotion also reflects ATM's inclusive policies, offering equal opportunities to all Malaysians regardless of ethnic background.
'We hope Lim's achievement will inspire more Malaysians from all communities to consider a career in the military, describing the Armed Forces as a shining example of Malaysia's 'Unity in Diversity' and a strong pillar of national unity,' added the statement.
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Therefore, respect for the yellow emblem on the Jalur Gemilang is equal to respect for the institution of the Malay Rulers and the nation's sovereignty, which is why we must honour our national flag," he explained. Fly the flag correctly Pointing to the recent incident where the Malaysian flag was displayed upside down, Abu Hanifah attributed such occurrences to the indifference of some citizens who take flag-raising etiquette lightly. Their failure to learn from past incidents, including those that occurred during last year's National Month celebrations, reflects a lack of effort to improve their knowledge of the nation. "In fact, there are many platforms that provide information on the correct way to raise the flag. All the information is at your fingertips — just 'Google' it. 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"…when all efforts have been made by various parties, including the government, to connect the people with the Jalur Gemilang, yet some still commit the same mistake (flying the flag upside down), I believe it is not because they don't know but (it is) because they don't care, and the authorities should take action," he added. The Jalur Gemilang is subject to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, which, among other things, states that acts such as flying the flag upside down constitute an insult to the flag, and perpetrators can be punished with a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Holistic approach Meanwhile, Penang Malay History and Civilisation Association president Datuk Abdul Kader Md Ali said all agencies, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) related to history in Malaysia, should provide awareness and information about the Jalur Gemilang to all levels of society. 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He stressed that these elements are the "key" to fostering togetherness and creating unity among Malaysia's diverse communities. "Anything related to the nation, including the flag and the principles of the Rukun Negara, should be safeguarded by all Malaysians regardless of race or religion," he said, urging the government to be firmer in addressing improper flag displays. "The flag is a symbol of the nation's honour and must be protected to preserve the dignity of the nation." How to display the Jalur Gemilang properly According to JaPen's guidebook, the Jalur Gemilang should only be displayed horizontally, even when in the form of a "flag line", and must never be displayed vertically. For the "Malaysia Banner" (a vertically elongated Jalur Gemilang), when viewed from the front, the left side of the banner must begin with a red stripe and end with a white stripe. The banner must also have a tail measuring one-eighth of its total length and must never be displayed horizontally. In terms of usage etiquette, the flag must never be used as a tablecloth, cushion cover, curtain, umbrella, bath towel, face mask, headscarf, cap, songkok, headwear, samping, clothing or other items. The flag must also not be used as a wrapping for bottles, vases, poles, cans, food covers, and other objects, nor should the flag be painted onto such items. Using the flag in various styles, images or forms that alter the physical appearance of the Jalur Gemilang for advertising purposes, including promoting National Month celebrations, is also prohibited. Under the Prime Minister's Department's General Circular No. 3 of 1994, it is mandatory to fly the Jalur Gemilang at federal buildings nationwide, federal government offices, federal statutory bodies and local authorities of the federal government. The public is also encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, business premises, shops and stalls. However, the Jalur Gemilang may be flown at any time and in any location, as long as it is done appropriately and with respect for the flag.
