With the appointment, Hafizuddeain was also promoted to the rank of General.

He replaces General Mohammad Ab Rahman.

The conferment of rank and handover of duties ceremony was witnessed by defence minister Mohamad Hasan at Wisma Pertahanan here.

Hafizuddeain, 55, who was born in Segamat, Johor, on April 18, 1968, was appointed as deputy army chief on March 23 this year.

Having received his secondary education at the Royal Military College in 1985, Hafizuddeain began his service as a cadet officer on Aug 19, 1986, before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Malay Regiment two years later.

The father of three has extensive experience, having held various important positions in the army and the defence ministry as a leader, staff member and trainer.

Throughout his service, he has attended various courses, including a diploma in management science at the National Institute of Public Administration, a master’s degree in social science (defence studies) at the Armed Forces Defence College, a master’s degree in management in the Philippines, an infantry officer advanced course in the US and at the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.

Some of the key positions he has held include as commanding officer of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2003-2005), commander of the Fifth Malaysian Infantry Brigade (2018-2020), and commander of the Army Western Field (2021-2023).

He has also served as the chief of staff at the 8th Malaysian Infantry Brigade headquarters (2009-2010), and chief of staff at the 3rd Malaysian Infantry Division headquarters (2016-2017).