KUALA LUMPUR, September 16 2026, The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is strengthening its role as the country’s defence bulwark by focusing not only on assets and physical capabilities, but also personnel development, governance and combat readiness in navigating an increasingly complex security environment.
Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said the approach was reflected through three core values encapsulated in the ATM acronym – Akhlak Teras (Core Values), Tatakelola Tuntas (Comprehensive Governance) and Martabat Tempur (Combat Credibility).
He said the resilience of the armed forces could not depend solely on physical strength and assets, but required all three values to ensure that the MAF remained capable of addressing current and future threats.
“Akhlak Teras (Core Values) serves as the foundation for developing MAF personnel, while Tatakelola Tuntas (Comprehensive Governance) encompasses the management of human resources, assets, procurement and finances based on integrity, honesty and a sense of responsibility.
“Martabat Tempur (Combat Credibility), meanwhile, refers to the readiness and strength of the force to ensure that the MAF is capable of carrying out its duties and facing threats, both now and in the future,” he said in a special interview in conjunction with MAF Day.
Malek said efforts to strengthen resilience were in line with the Future Force Development Plan, which runs until 2055 and is aimed at making the MAF a credible force.
He said the long-term plan has now entered its second phase for 2026 to 2030, focusing on force development, following the first phase, which began in 2021 with emphasis on restructuring the force design and organisation.
To ensure that the development has a clear direction, the MAF has also outlined the 5D Strategy as its main approach, namely Diplomacy, Detect, Deter, Deny and Defeat.
He said the approach begins with diplomacy to reduce the risk of conflict before moving to the Deter component, which aims to impose strategic costs and shape the mindset of adversaries so that they do not underestimate Malaysia’s sovereignty.
“The Deny component aims to deny adversaries the freedom to achieve their objectives, while Defeat ensures that we have the capability to operate across multiple domains to defeat threats should conflict become unavoidable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the anniversary celebrations themed “Ketahanan ATM, Benteng Pertahanan Negara” (MAF Resilience, The Defence Bulwark) will continue with the 2026 MAF Day Carnival on Sept 19 and 20 at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base in Lumut, Perak.
Various activities have been lined up for visitors, including exhibitions of land, sea and air assets, special forces capability demonstrations, the MAF Combat Parade, visits to RMN ships and boat rides.
There will also be exhibitions by security agencies, cultural performances, sales booths and various interactive activities for the whole family.
-BERNAMA
