SHAH ALAM: Army chief Jen Raja Mohammed Affandi Raja Mohammed will take over as Chief of Defence Forces by year end. Raja Affandi will replace on Dec 16, Jen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin who is retiring, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammudin Hussein today.

Hishammudin said Zulkifeli would be going on his accumulated annual leave and undergo transition training from Dec 16. Zulkifeli’s application to extend his service for 12 months beyond the mandatory retirement age, from June 14, 2016, to June 13, 2017, was approved by the Armed Forces Council, he added.

He also said that the council also approved Raja Mohamed Affandi’s extension of service for 12 months beyond the mandatory retirement age, from June 20, 2017, to June 19, 2018.

The decisions on the matter were adopted at the 548th meeting of the Armed Forces Council on May 23, and the appointments and extensions of service were consented by the King.

The announcement was made six months earlier to avert any speculation, ensure a smooth transition of leadership and to enable the leaders to make the necessary preparations.

Hishammudin however did not announced who will become the new Army Chief. The announcement of the new Army and RMAF chiefs will be made in December.

— Malaysian Defence