He takes over from Gen Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, 59, who takes office as the Malaysian armed forces (ATM) chief from today.

The ceremony marking the handing over of the baton of command was held at Dataran Panglima Tentera Darat at the Sungai Besi Camp here.

Zulkiple, 57, began his service in the army on April 7, 1978, after completing his studies at the Sandhurst Military Academy in England.

With more than 38 years’ experience under his belt, he is a graduate of the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Army Command and Staff College, Australia.

He holds a Master of Science (Management) from Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Zulkiple previously held several key positions in the ATM, among them as military adviser to the defence ministry in 1998; infantry director (2001), ATM Department of Veterans’ Affairs director-general (2005) and army field commander (west) for six years.

When met by Bernama, Zulkiple said he would place emphasis on professionalism among army personnel.

Present at the ceremony were army deputy chief Lt Gen Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi, army field commander (west) Lt Gen Azizan Md Delin and army field commander (east) Lt Gen Mohd Zaki Mokhtar.