WHEN he signed on 28 years ago with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), someone asked Colonel Ishak Ismail: "You sure you want to be an officer?"

He replied: "Look, I'm naïve. It doesn't matter. To me, this is a passion."

The perception then was that it was tough for Malay-Singaporeans to go far in the SAF - and for over two decades, their role in the military has been discussed publicly from time to time.

After a career that saw him appointed, for example, Parade Commander of the National Day Parade in 1997 and, most recently, Commander of the 6th Singapore Division last August, his "naivete" and hard work have paid off.

On July 1, the 46-year-old will become the first Malay-Singaporean to attain the rank of Brigadier-General in the SAF.

Asked if this dispels any lingering talk that Malay-Singaporeans face an uphill task rising up the ranks, he said: "I don't think (the promotion of) one man answers that question. If you just go deeper into the SAF, the question is answered. It's anybody and everybody who's pushing their own envelope, who goes out there and performs on the ground, regardless of race.

"Where are the Malays in the SAF? Those who are doing very well will be promoted. Those who are mediocre will remain there."

Col Ishak's promotion path also saw him appointed Commander of the 12th Singapore Infantry Brigade and then the most senior officer in charge of army training.

His latest achievement is a milestone for the Malay community, said Member of Parliament Zaqy Mohamad.

"It's been talked about that you don't see Malays serving in the upper echelons of the SAF. Now you've got one, so it dispels some talk," said Mr Zaqy, who added that Col Ishak's promotion would pave the way for more capable candidates in time. "I hope it's not seen as a token appointment."

MP Michael Palmer, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence, told Today that "from personal experience" - Col Ishak was his platoon commander in Officer Cadet School - the latter's promotion "has nothing to do with race and everything to do with his ability". He added: "He's a fine commander."

What keeps him going in his job, Col Ishak told reporters, are the opportunities to influence young people to push their limits and to rally them in tough times.

Asked if he sees himself as a leader in his community, he said: "It may be a cliché, but the reason why the SAF draws me a lot is the way it embraces everybody. I've never had to be pressured to lead the Malays. It's a leadership of everybody whom you've been entrusted (with)."

On the domestic front, he admits he "spoils" his family. Even after a sleep-deprived military exercise, he would agree to accompany his wife and two daughters, 15 and 17, to Orchard Road for some quality time.

Col Ishak was one of 464 officers promoted this year. Four attained the rank of BG and one, Rear-Admiral.

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