MAF Expands Women’s Role In Military Leadership

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) --  The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is expanding the role of women in military leadership, particularly in command and staff appointments to strengthen operational readiness through a more inclusive approach.

Chief of Staff at the MAF Headquarters Lt Gen Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri said greater female representation in key decision-making roles is essential, moving beyond traditional placements in administrative and medical services.

“There is a concerted effort to increase the percentage of female officers in ‘command and staff’ roles. 

“This shift moves women beyond administrative and medical functions into strategic areas such as combat support and intelligence,” he said when officiating the Malaysian Armed Forces International Symposium (MAFIS) 2026 here today.

He said the growing involvement of women reflects the armed forces’ broader effort to enhance capability, strengthen leadership and sustain operational effectiveness.

Muhammad Huzaimi added that Malaysia’s peacekeeping contributions remain a key component of its Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, with the country deploying one of the largest contingents of female peacekeepers under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

He said WPS principles are increasingly applied in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including military operations other than war (MOOTW), where female personnel are playing greater roles in civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) teams engaging local communities.

In cyber defence, he said the MAF’s Cyber and Electromagnetic Command is actively recruiting and promoting female technical experts to strengthen operational capabilities.

“When WPS is effectively integrated, it improves understanding of operating environments, enhances engagement with communities and strengthens the credibility of our presence in both domestic and international missions,” he said.

He added that the WPS agenda has evolved into a core operational requirement, in line with the needs of a modern and professional force.

“This is not about changing what we stand for, but strengthening how we deliver,” he said.

The two-day MAFIS 2026 symposium, themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness Through Inclusive Leadership: Advancing WPS in Defence and Security,” began today with more than 200 participants.

It brings together senior military officers, policy advisers, academics and Women, Peace and Security experts from Malaysia and abroad, including Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan and ASEAN countries.

The symposium serves as a platform to strengthen engagement, cooperation, experience-sharing and strategic dialogue on advancing WPS principles, including gender perspectives, prevention, participation and protection within defence and security institutions.

-- BERNAMA