Mohammad Ab Rahman

Mohammad bin Ab Rahman (born 15 March 1964) is a Malaysian military officer who currently serves as the 22nd Chief of Defence Forces since September 2023. Prior to his appointment, he previously served as the Chief of Army from March 2023 to September 2023.

Early life and education

Mohammad Ab Rahman was born on 15 March 1964 in Machang, Kelantan. He received his early education at Sekolah Menengah Sains Kelantan before continuing his studies at the Royal Military College in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, in 1980. Subsequently, he pursued undergraduate studies in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United States.

Military career

Mohammad was commissioned as a junior officer in the Royal Malay Regiment on 1 July 1987. Over the years, he underwent various courses both domestically and abroad. He completed the Grade 2 Staff and Tactics Course in Waiouru, New Zealand, and also attended the Army Command and Staff College in Fort Queenscliff, Australia.

Mohammad graduated from the Armed Forces Defense College in Kuala Lumpur. He holds a master's degree in defence studies from the University of Canberra, Australia, and another master's degree in social sciences (defence studies) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. His diverse military assignments included roles such as Commanding Officer of the 23rd Battalion of the Royal Malay Soldier Regiment (23 RAMD), Chief of the Second Malaysian Infantry Brigade (2 Brigades), Chief of the Third Malaysian Infantry Division (3 Divisions), Chief of Army Training and Chief of the Army's Western Field. He then advanced to the position of Deputy Chief of Army on 19 December 2020.

Mohammad later ascended to the role of Chief of Army, replacing retiring General Zamrose Mohd Zain on 22 March 2023. Few months later, he was promoted to the position of Chief of Defence Forces on the effective date of 6 September 2023. This appointment marked him as the 22nd Chief of Defence Forces. He succeeded General Affendi Buang, who retired from the position on the same day.

Honours

•  Malaysia :
  • Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – Tan Sri (2023)
  • Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (PJN) – Datuk (2022)

  • Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) (2010)
• Malaysian Armed Forces :
  • Courageous Commander of the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PGAT) (2023)

  • Loyal Commander of the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PSAT)

  • Warrior of the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PAT)

  • Officer of the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (KAT)

  • Loyal Service Medal (PPS)

  • General Service Medal (PPA)

  • United Nation Missions Medal (PNBB)
  • Malaysian Service Medal (PJM)
•  Federal Territory (Malaysia) :
  • Grand Commander of the Order of the Territorial Crown (SMW) – Datuk Seri (2022)
•  Kedah :
  • Dato' Setia Pahlawan Negeri Kedah (DSPK) – Dato' Pahlawan (2021)
•  Kelantan :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Noble Crown of Kelantan (SPKK) – Dato' (2023)
  • Knight Commander of the Order of the Noble Crown of Kelantan (DPKK) – Dato' (2015)
•  Perak :

  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Taming Sari (SPTS) – Dato' Seri Panglima (2023)
•  Selangor :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) – Dato' Seri (2023)