The Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur recently held a special event to recognise the appointment of former Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan as an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division.
The Order of Australia was presented by Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, on behalf of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC and attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles in Kuala Lumpur.
The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australian’s recognise outstanding achievements and service to our nation. Honourary members of the Order of Australia, in the military division are rare.
General Asghar joined the Royal Malaysian Air Force in July 1983. During his illustrious career he has held several senior command and staff positions, including Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Air Education and Training Commander, Assistant Chief of Staff Operations and Training Joint Forces Command and Assistant Chief of Staff Operations. General Asghar was appointed Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force on 07 March 2022, handing over command of the Air Force in June this year.
Crucially, he completed Qualified Flying Instructor course in East Sale Australia.
General Asghar has collaborated closely with the Royal Australian Air Force throughout his long career, working tirelessly to further our bilateral defence partnership. During his tenure as the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force in particular, he consistently demonstrated his commitment to strengthening the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations.
Regionally his stewardship of the Royal Malaysian Air Force through the generational change of the CAP 55 Capability Development transformation plan has been visionary.
General Asghar has been a true friend to Australia, demonstrating ongoing practical support to Australia’s air power capabilities. His recent facilitation of support to Australia’s Hawk aircraft allowed the fleet to remain operational during a period of heightened need, and the provision of access to a world-class high G Force training environment allows Australian aircrew to effectively and safely perform their core roles.
He actively fostered Australia’s engagement in the region through his personal commitment to our bilateral exercises, such as ELANGAROO, which saw the first deployment of Australia’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Malaysia. Additionally, air-to-air refueling capability between the two Air Forces has progressed, allowing increased interoperability.
General Asghar initiated the development of courses and workshops around structural engineering and targeting, whilst expanding the Special Forces relationship. His support for improved Australian leased infrastructure in Butterworth Malaysia will enable Australia to continue its commitment to maintain a strong partnership right here in Malaysia in the years to come.
As Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force, he has been staunchly committed to regional stability within the Indo-Pacific Region.
A true and steadfast friend of Australia who today, is rightly the recipient of one of our most prestigious awards for exceptional service in fostering the military relationship between Malaysia and Australia through outstanding personal commitment, strategic vision and exceptional leadership.
