General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, affectionately known as "Apai," has bid farewell to his illustrious military career, marking the end of decades of dedicated service to the Air Force and the Armed Forces.
In a significant transition, the outgoing Army Chief, General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, has been officially appointed as the 22nd Chief of the Armed Forces, stepping into the role vacated by General Affendi.
The ceremonial handover took place at Wisma Pertahanan on September 6, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one distinguished military leader to another.
General Affendi, who earned the callsign "Apai" during his pilot days, retires from the Armed Forces after an impressive 43-year career. His journey included remarkable roles as a MiG-29 Fulcrum pilot and the visionary founder of the renowned aeronautical acrobatic team, the "Smokey Bandits." Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Armed Forces' response to the Covid-19 pandemic, actively participating in Operation Penawar and Operation Benteng.
During the same ceremony, General Mohammad gracefully handed over his responsibilities as the Army Chief to Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, a distinguished military leader who previously served as the Army's deputy chief. This transition was accompanied by a well-deserved promotion to the rank of general for Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain, who embarked on his military career in 1986 after enlisting as a cadet officer following his graduation from Maktab Tentera Diraja (RMC).
In his address, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohammad Hassan commended the leadership transition and expressed his hope for the continuity of unwavering professionalism and loyalty within the Armed Forces. He emphasized that despite changes in leadership, the Armed Forces' commitment to excellence and the well-being of the nation remains unchanged. He went on to express his optimism that this new leadership would guide the Armed Forces to greater heights and achievements.
Minister Mohammad Hassan also paid tribute to General Affendi, describing his service as exemplary and noting that the entire country and its people owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude. General Affendi's legacy as a distinguished military leader will undoubtedly endure as he takes his well-deserved retirement.
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