KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today issued a strong reminder to newly appointed Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, urging him to ensure that all members of the Malaysian Army uphold integrity and honesty in carrying out their duties.
Sultan Ibrahim stressed that corruption poses the greatest threat to the strength, credibility and reputation of the country’s defence forces, warning that any form of abuse of power or misuse of authority will not be tolerated.
As Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the King said leadership based on integrity must begin at the highest level, adding that the Army Chief must set the right example by promoting clean, transparent and accountable governance throughout the force.
The King also expressed hope that the Malaysian Army will continue to earn the trust and respect of the public as a professional institution free from corrupt practices, in line with its role in protecting national sovereignty and security.
“I have repeatedly raised concerns about the presence of ‘middlemen’ or agents at the Ministry of Defence. They should not be allowed to operate at all,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page today.
Earlier, the King granted an audience to Azhan at Istana Bukit Tunku here.
Azhan was officially appointed as the 31st Army Chief with effect from Jan 1. His appointment followed a decision by the 631st Armed Forces Council meeting on Nov 19, 2025, and received royal consent on Dec 1, 2025.
He replaced Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, who was directed to go on leave to allow investigations by the authorities into corruption allegations against him.
The armed forces have also recently been embroiled in controversy involving allegations of unauthorised entry and immoral activities at military camps, which are currently under investigation by the Defence Ministry. – January 7, 2026