Late Ex Military Leader Tun Mohamed Hashim 'Father Of Modernisation'

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The country today lost a distinguished military leader who not only successfully modernised the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) but also always emphasised professionalism among its members.

Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Tun Dr Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali, 90, who died today, will undoubtedly be remembered as the "Father of the Modernisation" of the MAF because he successfully elevated the country's military strength at the regional and international levels, including through strengthening defence cooperation within the framework of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) and ASEAN.

Mohamed Hashim died at 11.52 am at a private hospital in the capital, after being admitted to the emergency unit on Sunday due to a brain haemorrhage.

Mohamed Hashim, who was born in Ipoh, Perak on April 10, 1937, demonstrated a strong patriotic spirit by being one of the earliest local children to study military science at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the United Kingdom, before returning to serve and be commissioned into the Royal Malay Regiment Corps (RAMD) in 1955.

His illustrious military career saw him holding various important positions with full responsibility, including Commander of Rajang Security Command (RASCOM), Commander of the 2nd Division and Army Chief, before being appointed the ninth CDF in 1987, a position he held until 1992.

With far-sighted vision, Mohamed Hashim consistently emphasised professionalism among members, training effectiveness, and readiness to face high-tech warfare threats, in an era when the world was witnessing a transformation of the security landscape after the end of the Cold War.

Behind the sternness of a warrior, there was a peace pioneer as he was among the government representatives who signed the Hatyai Peace Agreement on Dec 2, 1989, a historic moment that ended over four decades of communist threats to national security.

His role in that historic moment etched the late Mohamed Hashim into the annals of history not just as a commander who defended the sovereignty of the homeland, but as a torchbearer of peace who led the country into an era of lasting security.

After completing his service in 1992, Mohamed Hashim’s spirit of service continued to burn brightly as he actively contributed to the country, leading the corporate sector as chairman of Bumiputra-Commerce Holdings Berhad (now CIMB) and also venturing into education and youth development.

His leadership became increasingly prominent when he was appointed chief executive of the 1998 Commonwealth Games (SUKOM) in 1992, before taking the helm as executive chairman of the prestigious event from 1997 to 1999.

Under his dedicated leadership, Kuala Lumpur successfully emerged as the host of one of the most glorious editions of the Commonwealth Games in the history of the quadrennial sporting event.

For his outstanding services and contributions, Mohamed Hashim was awarded various honours and titles, including the Darjah Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM), which carries the title of Tun, in 2022.

He is the brother of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Mohamed Hashim leaves behind three children and five grandchildren.

-- BERNAMA