Senior Officer Appointments Based On Merit, Professionalism And Strategic Needs - MAF

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) stressed that every senior officer appointment is carried out professionally, based on meritocracy, and with full consideration of the organisation’s strategic needs.

The MAF said the evaluation process also takes into account leadership track record, integrity, operational experience, competency, professional qualifications, suitability for the position and current service requirements.

For certain critical and strategic positions, the subject matter expert (SME) factor is also a key consideration, including experience in joint-service assignments, strategic exposure at the national and international levels, and the ability to manage cooperation among multiple agencies and stakeholders.

“As such, the appointment of senior armed forces officers is not assessed solely based on an officer’s original corps, branch or service,” it said in a statement today.

“The development of senior leadership within the MAF is the result of a combination of command experience, operational exposure, professional military courses, strategic management, joint assignments and international exposure, which collectively form the main basis in determining an officer’s suitability for strategic positions,” it added.

This statement is issued in reponse to views expressed in an article titled ‘Lantik pegawai kanan ATM ikut merit’ (Appoint Senior MAF Officers Based on Merit), published by a local newspaper last Saturday.

The MAF said that it believes every opinion voiced is based on concern for the country’s defence institution, while noting that every appointment decision also takes into account various strategic considerations and service requirements, not all of which can be explained openly, due to organisational and security sensitivities.

It also stressed that every appointment decision is made in accordance with legal provisions, and through structured, thorough internal processes, based on institutional interests, continuity of command, and confidence in the capability and credibility of the senior officers being considered.

“The Defence Ministry and MAF remain committed to ensuring that every senior officer appointment is carried out professionally, transparently and based on merit, integrity, competency and the organisation’s strategic interests in strengthening the Armed Forces as a credible, professional and respected national defence institution, which continues to earn the trust of the people and the country,” it said.

-- BERNAMA