MAF marks 93rd anniversary with focus on welfare of personnel, families and veterans

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman (3rd left) during the launch of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Strategy and Governance Documents at a gathering honouring injured personnel, veterans and welfare recipients held in conjunction with the 93rd MAF Day celebration at the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut September 19, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 20 Sep 2026 9:32 AM MYT

LUMUT, Sept 20 — Entering its 93rd year, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) continues to prioritise the welfare of its personnel, families, and veterans, said Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman.

He said the MAF continues to strengthen ties with the public and expand defence diplomacy at regional, extra-regional, and international levels, with Asean as a key focus.

“All these efforts demonstrate that the transformation of the MAF is not merely occurring in terms of structure and capability but also involves the mindset, culture, systems, and relationships of the MAF with the public and strategic partners,” he said in his address in conjunction with the 93rd MAF Day celebration at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base here today.

Malek Razak later attended a gathering at Dewan M. Sidek Shabudin, KD Pelandok, to honour injured personnel, veterans and welfare recipients in conjunction with the celebration.

Also present were Chief of Army Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman, Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, and Deputy Chief of Air Force Lt Gen Datuk Seri Nur Hafis Abdul Karim.

At the event, he presented contributions to 27 veterans, 18 injured personnel and 15 dependents of personnel with chronic illnesses.

He also launched the MAF Strategy and Governance Books and Documents.

This year’s celebration, themed “Ketahanan ATM, Benteng Pertahanan Negara” (MAF Resilience, The Defence Bulwark), reflects the MAF’s commitment to strengthening readiness, developing capabilities and adapting to the changing security environment.

The event, held alongside a public carnival from today until tomorrow, attracted thousands of visitors. The main highlight today was the 93rd MAF Day Combat Parade, involving 641 officers and personnel from all three MAF services.

Other highlights included defence asset displays, exhibition booths, capability demonstrations, performances and interactive activities with MAF personnel.

The celebration also served as a platform to highlight the MAF’s transformation efforts through the launch of several initiatives and strategic documents.

Among the initiatives launched were MyZULU Health, Program Kesihatan Sosial dan Kerohanian Organisasi (KSKO), HRMIS on Internet (HOI) and the Cyber Force Nucleus Team.

Also launched were the Mid-Term Review Document of the National Military Strategy 2.0 (KSP SKN 2.0), the 4th Dimension Malaysian Armed Forces Plus (4DMAF+) and the MAF Anti-Corruption Action Plan Book 2026–2030. — Bernama