An opposition lawmaker has called on the Defence Ministry and the armed forces to stop the practice of kissing a minister’s hand during handshakes.
MP raises concern over viral incident
During the Oral Question-and-Answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) raised the matter with Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He described the gesture as inappropriate, pointing to a recent viral photo showing armed forces chief General Malek Razak Sulaiman shaking hands with Defence Minister Khaled Nordin.
In the image, the general appeared to bow his head towards Khaled’s hand.
Gesture unsuitable for protocol
Khlir said the culture of kissing a minister’s hand must end.
“This should not happen,” he stated.
He added that kissing parents’ hands is acceptable and respectful, but the same does not apply to a defence minister.
“I hope the Defence Ministry will correct this,” he urged.
Deputy minister’s response
Adly said he would not elaborate further on the issue.
He described Khlir’s comment as a useful reminder to all personnel in the armed forces.
The controversy follows a recent high-profile corruption crackdown by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which has charged several senior military officers.
