Ex-Armed Forces chief S’wakian Affendi Buang awarded top French honour, earns Pahang Royals’ praise

Abensour (left) shaking hands with Affendi during the reception on May 19, 2026. Photo: France to Malaysia/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 22: Sarawakian Tan Sri Affendi Buang, former Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, was conferred the prestigious title of Commander de la Légion d’honneur—the highest distinction of the French Republic.

“With the award, France pays tribute to a distinguished Malaysian military leader, a man of vision, and a trusted friend of the relationship between France and Malaysia, whose career commands the highest respect,” said France in Malaysia, the official Facebook page for the French Embassy in Malaysia, on Thursday (May 21).

The award was presented on Tuesday (May 19) at the Residence of France, where the Ambassador of France to Malaysia, Marc Abensour, also hosted a reception.

Meanwhile, in an Instagram post, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have extended their congratulations to Affendi.

Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah’s congratulatory message to Affendi. Photo: kesultanan.pahang/Instagram

Their Royal Highnesses expressed pride in the achievement, noting that it acknowledged Affendi’s service, leadership, and significant contributions in strengthening defence relations and strategic cooperation between Malaysia and France throughout his service in the Malaysian Armed Forces.

His achievement was praised as one that brought honour to Malaysia on the international stage and reflects the excellence of Sarawakian leadership in the fields of defence and national security.

Their Royal Highnesses also expressed hope that the recognition would serve as an inspiration to the younger generation and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces to continue serving with dedication, professionalism, and patriotism in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Affendi, born in Kuching on Aug 21, 1962, served as Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces from Jan 2, 2020, until his mandatory retirement on Sept 6, 2023.

Before that, he was also the 21st Armed Forces (MAF) chief, as well as the first Sarawakian to helm the post. — DayakDaily