General Malek Razak Takes Over as Malaysia’s New Chief of Defence Force
The promotion of Lieutenant General Malek Razak Sulaiman to four-star General and his appointment as Chief of Defence Force signals a new phase of leadership for the Malaysian Armed Forces amid evolving regional security challenges.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Western Field Commander of the Malaysian Army, Lieutenant General Datuk Haji Malek Razak Sulaiman, has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Force (CDF), replacing General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced today.
Malek Razak, who has been promoted to the rank of General, will assume his new duties as Chief of Defence Force with effect from tomorrow.
“The Ministry of Defence informs that His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has consented to the promotion of Lieutenant General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman to the rank of General and his appointment to the position of Chief of Defence Force (CDF), effective from 1 February 2026.”
“This appointment was made in accordance with the recommendation of the 633rd (Special) Armed Forces Council (AFC) Meeting, which convened on 29 January 2026, and subsequently received the consent of His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 30 January 2026,” according to a statement by the Defence Minister.
Mohamed Khaled said that Malek Razak holds a Diploma in Strategic and Security Studies from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London, as well as a Master of Social Science (Defence Studies) from UKM.
He began his military service in 1985 as an Overseas Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, and was commissioned on 11 December 1987 with the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Throughout nearly 40 years of service, Malek Razak has demonstrated competence, capability, excellence, and high leadership qualities, the Defence Minister said, and began his career as a Platoon Commander in the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
He later served in various units and held multiple command and staff appointments, with his final post prior to this appointment being Western Field Commander of the Malaysian Army.
“Based on the extensive experience and credibility he possesses, the Ministry of Defence is confident that this appointment will strengthen the leadership and capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces in addressing national defence challenges, while also restoring and enhancing the standing of the Malaysian Armed Forces through leadership founded on integrity and professionalism, and maintaining public confidence in the nation’s defence institution,” Mohamed Khaled said. — DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
