Overview

The C2023G00443 Gazette, published on 19 October 2022, represents an honorary appointment in the Military Division made by the Governor-General. This legislative document serves to recognise significant contributions to bilateral defence relations, specifically commending General AFFENDI bin Buang for his distinguished service in fostering and maintaining the defence relationship between Australia and Malaysia. The appointment, bestowed in the Order of Australia, underscores the government's commitment to acknowledging and rewarding individuals who have made substantial contributions to international defence cooperation through exceptional commitment, leadership, and strategic foresight. The enacting body is the Governor-General, acting on behalf of the Australian Government, with the policy objective being to honour and encourage the strengthening of international defence relationships.

Scope and Application

The legislation C2023G00443, published in the Gazette, pertains to the appointment of an honorary officer in the Military Division within the Order of Australia. This appointment specifically recognises General AFFENDI bin Buang from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for his distinguished service in enhancing the defence relationship between Australia and Malaysia. The appointment is made by the Governor-General and highlights his significant contributions through commitment, leadership, and strategic foresight in his role as the Malaysian Chief of Defence Force. The scope of this appointment is limited to recognising individual contributions to bilateral defence relations, without broader implications for legislation or regulation in Australia. It is a formal acknowledgment of an individual's efforts in fostering international defence cooperation, with no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the criteria of distinguished service.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Gazette C2023G00443 pertain to the announcement of an honorary appointment within the Military Division of the Order of Australia (section 1). This appointment is made in recognition of distinguished service to the strengthening of defence relations between Australia and Malaysia, as detailed in the citation. The appointee, General AFFENDI bin Buang, has been acknowledged for his commitment, leadership, and strategic foresight during his tenure as the Malaysian Chief of Defence Force. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties involved are primarily centred around the recognition and honour of the appointment itself. The appointee, General AFFENDI bin Buang, now holds the title of Honorary Officer (OA) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, which comes with certain privileges and responsibilities. These responsibilities include representing the honour with dignity and upholding the values associated with the Order of Australia. The Australian government, through the Governor-General, acknowledges the contributions of General AFFENDI bin Buang to bilateral defence relations. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences detailed in this Gazette announcement. The appointment is an honorary one, and its primary purpose is to recognise and celebrate distinguished service rather than to impose legal obligations or penalties. However, as an honorary member of the Order of Australia, General AFFENDI bin Buang is expected to maintain the honour and integrity associated with the title. Any breach of these expectations would not be subject to specific legal penalties but would rather result in a loss of honour and reputation.