Former Armed Forces chief Gen (Rtd) Tun Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali said he was "overwhelmed with emotion" upon being conferred a Tunship from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

The 87-year-old told the New Straits Times his mobile phone was filled with hundreds of congratulatory messages and calls - from family members, friends and comrades-in-arms - from near and far.

Mohamed Hashim was conferred the Darjah Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) which carries the title Tun in conjunction with the King's birthday yesterday.

"There was even a message from a retired general who is bed-ridden, yet took the effort to wish me glad tidings.

"Never could I imagine who my real friends are, in showing their appreciation to our long relationships," said Hashim.

He added that his late parents would have been extremely proud of him.

"How I wish my wife, who died last year, was here to share with me this great, historic moment," Hashim said, adding he was also delighted to hear from his alma mater, the Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur.

Among the first ones to congratulate Hashim was his sister Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who is also the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"She called me from overseas, while away with her husband," he said.

"One retired judge even summed up my conferment of 'Tun' as the third three in my family. I just responded that it was all with the Almighty's blessings," he said.

Mohd Hashim's Tunship holds special significance as he is only the second Armed Forces Chief to receive the title. The first was the late Gen (Rtd) Tun Ibrahim Ismail in 2000, who died in 2010.

The SSM is the country's second highest award, after the gallantry Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa or S.P.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang was among those who praised Hashim.

"The award is a great recognition to the soldiers of all ranks - officers and men alike. It speaks great volumes of His Majesty's and the country's recognition of the exemplary services and sacrifices of these fine leaders," said Affendi.

Retired Armed Forces Officers Club (Rafoc) president Lt-Gen (Rtd) Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Ibrahim said the bestowment was an honour for all Armed Forces officers - serving and retired.

Tun Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali said he was "overwhelmed with emotion"
upon being conferred a Tunship from Yang di-Pertuan Agong

"Rafoc and all veterans are proud and congratulate you, sir. This is a highly commendable and invaluable recognition which you truly deserve. Syabas!" he said.

Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association president Capt (Rtd) Datuk Sharuddin Omar called the bestowment a just recognition for Hashim's leadership capabilities and experience in the military and corporate world.

"He rightly and respectfully deserves the award, which reflects on the recognition and appreciation accorded to someone of his stature," said Sharuddin.

Hashim was born on Apr 10, 1935 in Kuala Lumpur. He had his Officer Cadet training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England in September 1955 to December 1956. He was commissioned as a second-lieutenant in the Royal Malay Regiment on Dec 20, 1956.

Hashim held various command and staff appointments, including as Rajang Area Security Command chief in East Malaysia, and 2nd Infantry Division commander before becoming Army chief on Nov 1, 1985.

He was appointed as Armed Forces chief from Oct 6,1987 to April 9, 1997 before his retirement.

In service, Hashim saw active duty in operations against the communist terrorists during the First and Second Emergencies, the "Confrontation" with Indonesia and during the May 13 racial riots.

Hashim was one of the representatives of the government to sign the Peace Accord in Haadyai, Thailand with the laying of arms by the Communist Party of Malaya in December 1989.

After retirement, he was appointed as director to a number of government linked and private companies including the Armed Forces Superannuation Fund and Perwira Niaga Malaysia.

He was appointed as Sukom '98 chairman which was responsible to run the XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

He was awarded the Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN) which carries the title Tan Sri by the king in June 1986.

* * * * *     TUN HASHIM'S VI DAYS 1949 -1953     * * * * *

Tun Hashim was an exemplary all-round pupil during his time at the VI. He was a swimmer in the school team as well as Vice-Captain of the school water-polo team. He also passed the examinations of the Royal Life Saving Society, winning a bronze medallion as life saver.

He was also the Hockey Captain of Hepponstall House, and the school Paddle Tennis Captain in 1952, when the sport was briefly introduced. Played with a paddle, this compact version of tennis was played in the school hall. One of his fellow players was Kamaleswaran, who later became famous as Kamahl the singer!

Tun was also active on the drama scene. When the V.I. Drama Society staged The Merchant of Venice at the KL Town hall, he was cast in the role of the Prince of Arragon, a suitor to Portia.