SHAH ALAM – The government is urged to ensure that the appointment of top officers in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is carried out transparently, with integrity and free from any element of corruption to restore public confidence in the nation’s security forces.
Graphic designer Aiman Syafiq Mohd Ariff, 32, said senior leadership positions in the MAF were not merely symbols of hierarchy or military tradition, but carried an important message about the direction of national security.
“In the current national security environment, the public wants to see MAF leadership that is truly focused on efficiency and clean governance.
“In conjunction with the new year, the government must ensure that appointments of top ATM officers are based on genuine capability, not influence or vested interests,” he said.
Aiman added that public trust in the security forces no longer depended on rank or titles, but on transparency, the courage to make decisions and the willingness to take responsibility when weaknesses occurred.
Private sector employee Nik Nazihah Nik Ahmad Khan, 30, said the government should ensure that the appointment process involving senior ATM officers was conducted carefully and with integrity.
She said such measures were not only crucial for safeguarding national security but also for restoring and maintaining public trust in the security forces.
“When we see that our security forces are made up of officers who are truly qualified, only then do we feel confident in the strength of the MAF,” she added.
Meanwhile, private sector employee Intan Nor Sazwani Che Ahmad, 31, said such appointments carried a very heavy trust and responsibility, not only towards those under their command, but also to the people and the country.
“This position demands an exceptionally high level of integrity, because every decision made has a direct impact on national security,” she said.