Ackbal Abdul Samad

Ackbal bin Hj Abdul Samad
Born	(1962-09-04) September 4, 1962 Johor, Malaysia
Occupation	Military officer
Years active	1980–2022
Known for	19th Chief of Air Force (2020–2022)

Ackbal bin Hj Abdul Samad (; born 4 September 1962) is a former Malaysian military officer who held the position of the 19th Chief of Air Force from January 2020 until March 2022.

Early life and education

Born on 4 September 1962 in Johor, Ackbal is the eldest among four siblings. His upbringing took place in Klang, Selangor, before relocating to Petaling Jaya in the late 1970s. He completed his secondary schooling at the Royal Military College in Kuala Lumpur between 1978 and 1980. Subsequently, he enlisted in the Royal Malaysian Air Force on 1 June 1980.

Initial service

Following his officer cadet training, Ackbal earned his commission as a Junior lieutenant in 1982. The following year, he underwent foundational flight training on the Pilatus PC-7 at RMAF Alor Setar Air Base, then proceeded to RMAF Kuantan Air Base for fighter aircraft transition training on the Aermacchi MB-339. Between 1985 and 1990, he operated as a fighter pilot, initially flying the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk with the 9th Squadron based at Kuantan, then piloting the F-5E with the 6th Squadron stationed at RMAF Labuan Air Base. Selected by the RMAF Special Panel, he completed test pilot training in the United Kingdom from 1993 to 1994 and subsequently undertook MiG-29N transition training in Russia. Following this, he established and led the 19th Squadron at Kuantan until 1999.

Progression through ranks

After dedicating 17 years to operational flying duties, Ackbal advanced into several leadership positions: Staff Officer for Safety and Standards at the 1st Air Division in 2000; Director of Planning and Development at RMAF Headquarters from 2002 to 2004; Commander of RMAF Kuantan Air Base between 2004 and 2006; Commander of the 2nd Air Division from 2006 to 2007; Commander of Air Support Command between 2007 and 2010; and Commander of the 1st Air Division in 2010. He attained the rank of lieutenant general and was appointed as Commander of Air Operations Command.

On 17 November 2014, Ackbal assumed the role of Joint Force Commander until September 2015, after which he resumed command of Air Operations Command. He was named Deputy Chief of Air Force on 21 December 2016.

Leadership as Chief of Air Force

Starting from 3 January 2020, Ackbal served as the Royal Malaysian Air Force's 19th Chief, succeeding Affendi Buang, who was appointed as the 21st Chief of Defence Forces. He maintained this leadership role until stepping down on 4 March 2022, retiring later that year in December. His successor was Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.

Personal life

Ackbal is married to Norainy binti Shahar Alam and they have four children: three sons and one daughter.

Honours

• • Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – awarded the title Tan Sri (2020)
  • Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (PJN) – conferred Datuk (2013)
  • Companion of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (JSM) (2009)
  • Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (AMN) (1997)
  • Awardee of the Loyal Service Medal (PPS)
  • Recipient of the General Service Medal (PPA)
  • Holder of the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (2002)
• Malaysian Armed Forces
  • Courageous Commander within The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PGAT) (2021)
  • Loyal Commander in The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PSAT)
  • Warrior designation in The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PAT)
  • Officer rank in The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (KAT)
  • Awarded the Malaysian Service Medal (PJM)
• • Knight Commander title within the Order of the Noble Crown of Kelantan (DPKK) – Dato' (2019)
• • Knight Grand Companion status in the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) – Dato' Sri (2011)
  • Knight Grand Companion rank within the Order of the Crown of Pahang (SIMP) – Dato' Indera (2010)
  • Knight Companion designation in the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (DSAP) – Dato' (2009)
  • Knight Companion honor within the Order of the Crown of Pahang (DIMP) – Dato' (2006)
  • Various Companion and Member awards from Pahang provinces between 2002 and 2005
• • Knight Commander distinction within the Order of the Defender of State (DPPN) – Dato' Seri (2020)