Malaysia is set to have its first non-Malay, female 'two-star' general.

Yes, Brigadier-General Suriakala Suriabagavan will create history as the first non-Malay, female 'two-star' general after being promoted to major-general.

According to a report in The New Straits Times, Suriakala, 60, is a grandmother of two.

"She is one that needs minimal (or no) supervision and can deliver when it matters most. Suriakala is a very dedicated officer and we are proud and honoured to have someone like her serving not only the Army, but the entire Armed Forces and nation."

"We need more calibre staff like her, of all ranks, as she is a fine example for others to emulate.The Army is very proud to present her the second 'star'. Well done!," Army chief Gen Tan Sri Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi told NST.

An esteemed career

Suriakala, who hails from Klang, is from the third intake of women cadet officers from the short-service commission who enlisted with the Armed Forces in December 1981.

After completion of a year's training at the Officer Cadet School in Port Dickson, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1982.

She began as an assistant records officer with the Records and Pensions Directorate on 18 December that year.

Suriakala then had a 38-year career span with the directorate and became a major in August 1993 and lieutenant-colonel in December 2000.

In October 2008, she was promoted to colonel and made the Army's human resources (policy and development) director.

On June 3, 2015, she was made a brigadier-general to become personnel services division (manpower branch) director at the Armed Forces Headquarters.

"Never did I imagine that someday I will break ranks to be promoted to such an esteemed level.

"My family and I are ever grateful to the Army for where I am today and will do my utmost to continue giving my best.

"I hope my achievement will spur other Malaysian women to pursue a rewarding career in the Armed Forces," she said.