Johnny Lim

KUALA LUMPUR — Major General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng made history in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) by becoming the first Chinese officer to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

In a statement today, the MAF said the promotion ceremony was officiated by Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar yesterday and witnessed by all service chiefs.

According to the statement, the Melaka-born officer had his early education at St Francis Primary School, Melaka, from 1973 to 1978, before continuing his studies at St Francis Secondary School, Melaka, from 1979 to 1983.

Lim joined the Officer Cadet Training Programme under the 25th Regular Commissioning Course and subsequently underwent military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, before being commissioned into the Royal Ranger Regiment.

The statement added that the promotion reflects the MAF’s commitment to the principles of meritocracy and inclusiveness in recruitment and career development.

“It is also hoped that this will encourage greater participation from all ethnic groups in military careers, making the MAF a leading example of the ‘Unity in Diversity’ concept and national unity,” the statement said. — BERNAMA