Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:Facebook/@Malaysian Armed Forces

Malaysia has made history by promoting Johnny Lim Eng Seng to the rank of lieutenant general, one of the highest positions in the army. He is the first ethnic Chinese officer in Malaysia to reach this level.

Johnny Lim, from the state of Melaka, has served in the military for over 40 years. He joined the army in 1984 when Malaysia was facing a communist threat. At that time, his mother was not happy about his decision, but she later supported him.

He studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK and started his career in the Royal Ranger Regiment. Today, he is the commandant (head) of the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College.

After receiving his promotion, Lim said he was very proud and thankful for all the support and sacrifices made over the years.

The military said this promotion shows that career growth is based on performance, not race or background. They hope it will encourage more young Malaysians from all ethnic groups to consider joining the army.

Currently, the military in Malaysia is mostly made up of Malay-Muslim soldiers. Ethnic Chinese and Indians make up only a small percentage. For example, Chinese soldiers make up only 0.13% of the total 113,000 active service members.

Before Lim, the highest rank an ethnic minority officer had reached was major-general. Most had left the army before reaching senior positions.Military leaders now say it’s important to show that everyone has a chance to succeed, no matter their race or background, and that the army is a place of unity in diversity.