Chief of Defence Forces (Malaysia)
The Chief of the Defence Forces (Abbr.: CDF, Malay: Panglima Angkatan Tentera, Jawi: ڤڠليما اڠکتن تنترا) is the professional head of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the most senior uniformed military adviser to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA; 'King of Malaysia'), the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence. The CDF is based at Wisma Pertahanan, Kuala Lumpur, nearby to the Ministry of Defence. The CDF is the highest rank in Malaysia Armed Forces only after the YDPA which hold the title Commander-in-Chief.
| Chief of the Defence Forces | |
|---|---|
| Panglima Angkatan Tentera ڤڠليما اڠکتن تنترا | |
Flag of the Chief of the Defence Forces | |
Incumbent General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman since 6 September 2023 | |
| Malaysian Armed Forces | |
| Style | Yang Berbahagia ('The Honourable') |
| Abbreviation | CDF |
| Member of | Armed Forces Council |
| Reports to |
|
| Seat | Wisma Pertahanan, Kuala Lumpur |
| Appointer | King of Malaysia |
| Formation |
|
| First holder | Tan Sri Sir Frank Hasting Brook |
| Salary | TURUS II |
| Website | www.mafhq.mil.my/.../cdf-profile |
Also known as "Perintah Ulung" (transl. 'Superior Command'), the CDF is part of Armed Forces Council together with Minister of Defence, YDPA's representative, Chief of Army, Chief of Navy, Chief of Air Force, Chief of Staff and so on. CDF can be appointed from all three branch of Malaysia Armed Force—Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
The Panglima Angkatan Tentera (PAT; transl. Chief of Armed Forces) was formerly known as Ketua Turus Angkatan Tentera (KTAT; transl. Head of Armed Forces) until in the early 1980s.
The current CDF is General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman having succeeded his predecessor, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang on 6 September 2023.