General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman officially commences his duties as the 24th Chief of Defence Force, marking a new chapter for the Malaysian Armed Forces.

KUALA LUMPUR: General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman officially began his duties as the 24th Chief of Defence Force today.

He arrived at Wisma Pertahanan this afternoon to receive a salute and inspect the Main Guard of Honour from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

The new CDF later raised the Malaysian Armed Forces flag in front of his office, symbolising the official commencement of his tenure.

The ceremony was attended by the heads of the three service branches: Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

His appointment was announced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on Jan 31, effective from Feb 1.

Malek Razak, 60, previously served as the Army Western Field Commander.

He began his military career as an Overseas Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom in 1985.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on Dec 11, 1987.

Throughout his nearly 40-year career, he has held various key positions, including Platoon Commander in the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

 The Sun Malaysia