Honouring the Sui Generis of military service through civil-military relations practices and constitutionalism in Malaysia perspective

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is facing degradation of sui generis of military service in its organization. The present situation can affect the effectiveness, ethos, culture and values of the military. Due to this, MAF will need to address and mitigate this situation with the related issue before it gets out of control. Thus the objectives of the research outlined are to analyse the philosophy of loyalty to the King and country; and the status of the King as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Secondly, is to analyse the existence and the responsibilities of the Armed Forces Council. Thirdly, is to analyse the interference of the Department of Public Service in the military affair and the position of the military as part of public service. This research has adopted qualitative method and utilised philosophical realism as the line of thought. The research hinged on two main pillars namely Civil-Military Relations Practices and Constitutionalism. These two pillars were used to analyse and synthesise the main issues due to their closely associated and existence in a symbiotic relationship. At the same time, this research has been developed through five approaches consisting of conceptual, historical, cultural, doctrines and leadership. The line of thought, pillars of research and approaches selected are significant to address the problem statement of the research which concerning on the reasons for why the continuous degradation of sui generis of military service in the MAF. For this purpose, a narrative and content analysis method has been utilized throughout the research. The findings of this research established that the military should be loyal to the King and country; and dignify the status of the King as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The existence and responsibilities of the Armed Forces Council should be respected at all times. Apart from that, the interference of the Department of Public Service in military service should be stopped even though the military is part of public service as stated in the Federal Constitution. Based on the recommendations of this research, the related issues should be solved accordingly because the ultimate impact is placing the security of the state at risk.