Armed Forces Chief Military Intel Head To Retire

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Defence minister Khaled Nordin says they had reached the retirement age of 60.
Nizam Jaffar (left) became armed forces chief in January while Razali Alias has been director-general of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation since December 2023.PETALING JAYA: Malaysian armed forces chief Nizam Jaffar and Razali Alias, head of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation, are believed to be leaving military service
When contacted, defence minister Khaled Nordin said the pair have “reached their retirement age” of 60.
Nizam turns 60 on Aug 3 next year while Razali will be 60 on Dec 16 next year.
News of their retirements come two months after several senior military officers, including two from the intelligence agency, were implicated in a drug distribution syndicate uncovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in August.
FMT has asked Khaled if Nizam and Razali’s retirement had anything to do with the MACC case.
Nizam became the 23rd armed forces chief on Jan 31. He previously served as commandant of the National Defence College, training management director of the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command, and commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade.
Razali was appointed director-general of the MDIO on Dec 1, 2023.
In August, MACC detained five senior army and navy officers, including the two from MDIO, allegedly involved in a drug distribution syndicate.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had expressed concerns that the case could pose national security risks.
MACC said the suspected officers, stationed at the country’s southern borders, are believed to have leaked information on security and enforcement agency operations over the past five years.
The suspects, which included lieutenant colonels, had facilitated the entry of contraband worth about RM5 million a month from neighbouring countries, MACC said.
Last month, two officers claimed trial to charges of accepting a total of RM126,500 in bribes. The name of one officer was withheld by the court since he is involved in intelligence work. - FMT

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