Zulkiple Kassim is new army chief

General Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim was today officially installed as Malaysia's 26th Army Chief.

He was previously serving as Army Field Commander West for about six years after taking over from Gen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, 59, who was appointed 19th Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Chief.

The ceremony marking the handing-over of the baton of command was held at Dataran Panglima Tentera Darat in the Sungai Besi Camp here.

Zulkiple, 57, began his service in the Army on April 7, 1978, after completing his studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.

With more than 38 years' experience under his belt, he is a graduate of the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Army Command and Staff College, Australia.

He also holds a Master of Science (Management) from Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Zulkiple previously held several key positions in the ATM, among them, as military adviser to the Defence Ministry in 1998; Infantry director (2001) and the ATM Department of Veterans' Affairs director-general (2005).

When met by Bernama, Zulkiple said professionalism among Army personnel would be among the main issues he would emphasise on.

"I hold this trust with full integrity in discharging my duties and responsibilities," he added.

Also present at the ceremony were Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi, Army Field Commander West Lt Gen Datuk Azizan Md Delin and Army Field Commander East Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar - BERNAMA