Breaking Barriers To Commemorate 68th Merdeka Day Lieutenant General Johnny Lim S Historic Promotion

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DATUK Johnny Lim Eng Seng was the first Malaysian Chinese to attain the rank of lieutenant-general in the armed forces 92 years history.
This Merdeka means something for him having broken the racial barrier that plagued the armed forces as well as other government agencies.
Lim might be one of the few Malaysians to attain the high rank in the country’s armed forces.
It was no easy task for Melaks-born Lim to overcome the pride and prejudice of those who want the armed forces to be only commanded by members of certain races.
While Lim might rejoice of overcoming the barriers, there are hundreds of Malaysians especially Chinese and Indians who are unfairly denied promotions not just in armed forces but also the government’s civil service.
Malaysians hoped that the Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would pave the way for a more inclusive Malaysian civil service.
But unfortunately, Anwar – despite his grandiose promise of reforms – have merely sought to perpetuate the present ossified civil service.
Major-General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng made history in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) on June 24, 2025 by becoming the first Chinese officer to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General (Image credit: ATM/Facebook)‘Pushing through barriers’
Lim’s experience might provide thousands of Malaysians a continued faith in the system, but unfortunately, blind faith is not sufficient.
In fact, Lim should have attained the present a few years ago but unfortunately the navigation of man-made hurdles was not something easy.
But at the same time, Lim should not expound on the ideals of humanity just became he defied the odds to get promoted.
Is Lim willing to see what ails the armed forces of the country in trying to be one of the best regional security forces of the country.
I understand the Malaysian armed forces comprising the Royal Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force are much more superior to other government agencies when it comes to camaraderie among the various races.
Despite the numerical inferiority of Chinese and Indians, the spirit if patriotism is high among all the races.
Maybe Lim given his high rank should be in position to advise the government and the armed forces to set an example to other government agencies in the accommodation of the Chinese and Indians.
Lim’s recent promotion should not just be meaningful to him but to others in the country.
Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to him and his family. 
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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