NEW ARMED FORCES CHIEF TO CONTINUE ENHANCING NATIONAL SECURITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The new Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF)
chief, General Azizan Ariffin, has set himself to maintaining continuity
of leadership and enhancing the security level of the nation.

"Most important of all is the credibility of the armed forces, next to
strengthening national security to the highest level, so that the people feel
protected and continue to live in peace," he said at the handing-over of duties
to him by former MAF chief, General Abdul Aziz Zainal, who is retiring.

Azizan, 56, previously the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief who was
appointed the 17th MAF chief on Tuesday, said enhancing capability of the MAF in
all aspects of services required consistent commitment of members of its three
branches -- army, navy and air force.

He said he would do his best to uphold the trust given to him, to steer the
armed forces to greater heights, as aspired by the nation's leaders.

"I will be professional in ensuring the security and sovereignty of the
nation," said Azizan whose appointment was historic as it is the first time that
an RMAF chief is heading the MAF.


"The appointment was unexpected, and the air force is proud to be given the
honour," said Azizan, who earlier inspected a guard--of-honour comprising 105
men and three officers led by Major Ahmad Muzaimi Mohd Ali.

Later, Azizan told reporters that Malaysia was expected to receive the last
batch of six Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter aircraft from Russia in October.

"After ungoing various tests, the Sukhoi should be fully operational in July
next year.

"At the moment, the 12 Sukhoi fighter jets already received, are undergoing
integration and adaptation from the eastern block to the western block system
and taken for test flying from time to time," he said.

Azizan, who was born in Yan, Kedah on Oct 25, 1952, joined the air force on
April 16, 1971, and was RMAF chief since Oct 30, 2006.

A farewell send-off was also held for Abdul Aziz by the armed forces
personnel and Defence Ministry staff after the handing-over ceremony.

Abdul Aziz, who had served the MAF for 40 years, will retire officially on
Jan 31, 2010.

-- BERNAMA