General Azhan Md Othman calls for a united, tech-savvy army with a strong will to win, vowing zero tolerance for corruption as the force works to rebuild public confidence.

MELAKA: The Malaysian Army must cultivate unity, integrity and an unwavering will to win to confront evolving security challenges, said its new chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman.

He stated that an uncertain geopolitical landscape and major power rivalries are impacting global systems with significant implications for national security.

“The rapid advancement of global technology has also influenced the nature of modern warfare,” Azhan said in his First Order of the Day address as the 31st Army Chief.

He warned that the Army cannot afford to lag and must move decisively to confront future technology-driven warfare concepts.

Azhan added the force is also facing non-traditional threats like cross-border crime, climate change and hybrid threats.

These challenges have direct implications for national sovereignty and interests.

He stressed the Army’s ‘will to win’ philosophy reflects a firm resolve to prevail in all aspects from operations to religious values.

“At this moment, the Army is also weathering a storm that has resulted in a deficit of public trust,” Azhan stated.

He noted the force faces daily criticism and ridicule, seemingly without end.

Azhan outlined two key guiding principles for personnel: their identity as Army members and the warrior ethos encompassing piety, loyalty and sacrifice.

He emphasised that all officers and personnel must perform duties with transparency and integrity.

The Army Chief vowed he would not compromise with anyone engaged in corruption or power abuse.

He also underscored the importance of leadership development, technological competence and coordinated training.

Azhan called on all personnel to reunite and work together to restore the organisation’s excellence and honour.

His address was delivered during a combat parade involving 38 officers and 1,356 other ranks.

The event was led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Ashafiq Abdul Aziz of the 18th Royal Malay Regiment (Para).

The First Order of the Day was broadcast live on social media for Army personnel nationwide.

 The Sun Malaysia