KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Oct 2025 – The late Ninth Chief of Defence Force, General Tun Dr Mohamed Hashim bin Mohd Ali (Retired), was accorded full military honours before being laid to rest at the Raudhatul Sakinah Cemetery, Sungai Besi, last night. The solemn ceremony, carried out under Operasi Rampai protocol, reflected the highest tribute by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) for his leadership and service to the nation.

General Tun Dr Mohamed Hashim, aged 90, passed away at 11.52 a.m. at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. His remains were brought to Khalid bin Al-Walid Mosque (MKWK), MINDEF, for ceremonial cleansing and funeral prayers led by the Director General of the Armed Forces Religious Corps, Major General Dato’ Hj Mohd Rashidi bin Bujai. Senior Service Chiefs, representatives, officers of the MAF, officials from the Ministry of Defence, and hundreds of servicemen from all three branches of service were present.

The Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin, joined dignitaries including Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali (the late General’s sister), Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, as well as former Chief of Defence Force and Service Chiefs, to pay their last respects.

At Raudhatul Sakinah, the casket draped in the Jalur Gemilang was borne by a combined escort party of 560 officers and personnel, led by Lt Col Ahmad Sabare bin Jamaludin. The Flag of Honour was formally presented by the current Chief of Defence Force, General Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam bin Hj Jaffar, to the late General’s eldest son, En Ibrahim bin Mohd Hashim.

Also present were former Chief of Defence Force:

• General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Abdul Aziz Hj Zainal (Retired) – 11th CDF
• General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Diraja Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin (Retired) – 12th CDF
• General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Azizan Ariffin RMAF (Retired) – 17th CDF
• General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor (Retired) – 19th CDF

Their presence, alongside family and comrades, underscored the deep respect for his lifelong contributions to national defence and sovereignty.

A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation

Born on 10 April 1935 in Ipoh, Perak, Tun Dr Mohamed Hashim was among the earliest Malaysians trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, UK, before joining the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) in 1955. Rising through the ranks, he held key positions including Commander RASCOM, GOC 2nd Division, Deputy Army Chief, and later Army Chief, before becoming the 9th Chief of Defence Force in 1987.

During his tenure, he steered the MAF from a focus on post-communist insurgency operations towards building a modern conventional force. His vision enhanced professionalism, training, technological capability, and strengthened regional defence ties through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and ASEAN cooperation.

After retiring in 1992, he remained active in the corporate sector as Chairman and Board Member of Data Sonic Group Berhad and several other companies. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was conferred numerous state honours, including the Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM), carrying the title Tun, in 2022.

The passing of General Tun Dr Mohamed Hashim marks the loss of a towering figure in Malaysia’s defence history. May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous.