Pasir gudang: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is consistently advocating for significant improvements in the organisational structure, career advancement, and allowances for personnel within the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is intended to ensure that the military talent management system remains aligned with the ongoing modernisation of defence assets and technological advancements. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin revealed that comprehensive proposals focusing on these critical areas have been forwarded to the government and the Public Service Department (JPA) for evaluation.
Minister Nordin emphasized the necessity of making adjustments to the staffing structure, highlighting that numerous officers meet the required competency and performance standards but are hindered from advancement due to a lack of available positions. "We aim to establish a logical correlation between rank, grade, level of responsibility, and the strategic duties undertaken by MAF personnel," he mentioned during a press conference following the Pasir Gudang Barisan Nasional thanksgiving ceremony at Puncak Kasih.
MINDEF has been committed to enhancing talent management and staffing since the release of the Defence White Paper in 2022. Proposals for improvements to the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) were submitted to JPA in March of the previous year. Minister Nordin also proposed that special allowances be considered for military personnel, citing the distinct nature of their roles, which often necessitate attendance in long-term courses ranging from nine months to two years.
He stressed that any criteria for expedited promotions within the military will remain based on merit and not be automatic. "It must be grounded in performance, competency, integrity, and organizational needs, evaluated through established processes," he stated, underscoring the need for timely adoption of changes in the organisational structure and talent management system in tandem with defence asset modernisation.
MINDEF's efforts are in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent announcement of an in-principle agreement to simplify and accelerate the promotion process for MAF and Royal Malaysia Police personnel, to align them with other public service schemes. The Prime Minister indicated that details of the new mechanism are anticipated to be revealed during the Ambang Merdeka celebration at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur on August 30.
Additionally, the government has committed to augmenting MINDEF's budget allocation under Budget 2027 to bolster MAF's capabilities and ensure the welfare of its security personnel.