BUTTERWORTH, 18 August 23 – After almost 44 years of service to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, particularly in the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF celebrated with his wife, Her Highness Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Puan Sri Datuk Hajah Tengku Muhaini binti Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, MAF Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Agency (BAKAT) by the RMAF specifically in the Appreciation Parade for the 21st CDF at the Air Base Butterworth. General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF who is also the 18th Chief of Air Force will end his service in RMAF in particular and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in general.
The Appreciation Parade for the 21st CDF involved 23 officers and 404 members of other ranks led by Lieutenant Colonel Khairul Fadly bin Abu Bakar RMAF and accompanied by a combination of the RMAF Central Band, the Air Force College, Alor Setar and the Air Force Academy, Ipoh in under the leadership of Maj Mohamad Rizal bin Hj Mohamad Noor RMAF. The parade has the concept of a ceremonial parade, with the involvement of eight (8) flags which are the flags of the Air Force College, No. 6 Skn, No. 7 Skn, No. 10 Skn, No. 14 Skn, No. 15 Skn, No. 18 Skn and No. 20 Skn together four Guard Squadrons.
The arrival of the CDF and his wife was welcomed by the Chief of Air Force, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan RMAF and his wife, Puan Sri Datin Sri Bibi Nasratjahan binti Gulab Khan; Deputy Chief of Air Force, Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Hj Muhamad Norazlan bin Aris RMAF and his wife, Datin Seri Hajah Wan Nor Sazlina binti Wan Abd Shukor; Commander of Air Operations, Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Shahada bin Ismail RMAF and his wife, Datin Dr Harlina binti Haron; Commander of Air Education and Training, Lieutenant General Dato’ Zahani bin Zainal Abidin RMAF and his wife Datin Lynette binti Tan Sri Mohamed; Commander of Air Region 1, Maj Gen Dato’ Mahadzer bin Amin RMAF and his wife, Datin Nor Asmah binti Hj Hashim and Commander of Air Region 2, Maj Gen Dato’ Wan Amin Hafiz bin Wan Mahmud RMAF and wife, Datin Suhana binti Ahmad Din.
As soon as he arrived at the parade ground, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF received a salute from the Parade Contingent who was also accompanied by the Flyover of five (5) helicopters carrying the Jalur Gemilang, MAF Flag and RMAF Flag. He then inspected the parade before continuing with the march pass. The RMAF paid tribute by fly past comprising PC 7 MK II training aircraft, A400M and C130H transport aircraft as well as Su-30 MKM, F/A 18 D Hornet and BAE Hawk fighter aircraft.
After the parade, the CDF and his wife were also celebrated at the Banquet and mingled with the RMAF members as well as some guests from acquaintances. General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang in his speech informed that he will hand over to his successor, General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman, Chief of Army on 6 September 2023. The handover will record his almost 44 years of service in MAF, especially the RMAF which he loves so much. He also expressed his gratitude to God for the favors given and eased all his affairs in carrying out the heavy responsibilities entrusted to him. Despite various obstacles and challenges faced, but everything can be overcome smoothly, thanks to the support and cooperation of all levels of the Malaysian Armed Forces, especially all RMAF members.
He also called on every line of leadership as well as all RMAF personnel to continue to provide support and cooperation to the new CDF. He believed that with the leadership wisdom and credibility of the RMAF today, it will be able to support MAF to drive success, especially in realizing the reform of the Future Force as agreed upon.
The CDF also expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude to his beloved wife, Her Highness, Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Puan Sri Datuk, Hajah Tengku Muhaini binti Al-Marhum Sultan Hj Ahmad Shah, Chairman of the MAF Supreme Congregation BAKAT for her guidance and insight which is clear throughout leading MAF TALENT and always emphasizing the welfare of the MAF family. Appreciation is also expressed to the entire leadership of BAKAT Udara who have also provided strong support in every planning of the MAF BAKAT agenda.
This Appreciation Parade was held as a sign of respect and appreciation for the service of the RMAF citizens for all the service, service and sacrifice that General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF who is known as “APAI” has put in. He also enriched the name of the RMAF and created his own historical record as the first person from Sarawak to become the Air Force Chief and the CDF. He is also famous for the RMAF MiG-29 tactical aerobatic team known as the ‘Smokey Bandit’ which also raised the name of the RMAF and Malaysia at the international level.
General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang and his wife, Her Royal Highness, Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Puan Sri Datuk, Hajah Tengku Muhaini binti Al-Marhum Sultan Hj Ahmad Shah left the ceremony with the honor of the traditional “Send off” event with F/A-18D Hornet aircraft and “street lining” by all RMAF personnel.