THE Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) made history after promoting Captain Rohana Jupri to First Admiral (Laksamana Pertama), the first woman to be promoted to the rank in the navy’s history.

Rohana, 57, was among four senior officers promoted in a ceremony launched by RMN commander Admiral Mohd Reza Mohd Sany at KD Sri Gombak, Jalan Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur.

Reza said the selection of Rohana proved that her ability and credibility had been recognised by the navy’s senior command officers, other than a sign of appreciation for her efforts and ability in her 36 years of service.

“Since the establishment of the RMN 86 years ago, not a single woman has been promoted to the rank and this is an achievement for her.

‘‘She held the position of senior director of materials at the RMN headquarters and also assistant chief of staff (AKS) J4 (Logistics) in the National Task Force (NTF).

“This indirectly places her on par with the senior members of the Admiral Committee (JLAKS) group previously pioneered by men,” he said after the RMN senior officers’ appointment ceremony yesterday.

Rohana, a mother of four children and originally from Tanjong Karang, Selangor, joined the RMN on December 20, 1984.

She held several important positions, including commanding officer of KD Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, staff officer 1 women’s affairs of the Malaysian Armed Forces and commanding officer of the western naval supply depot.

She was also responsible for the acquisition of important assets in determining Op Benteng could be implemented more efficiently.

Meanwhile, Rohana said the promotion was a huge recognition for her in her service in the RMN.

“I hope there are more female candidates who can follow in my footsteps. There is room available for women in RMN to grow,” she said. – Bernama, December 19, 2020.