Zain Hashim

{{short description|8th Chief of the Malaysian Army (1981–1984)}} {{Malay name|Zain|Hashim|note=on}} {{Copy edit|date=April 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = Yang Berbahagia General (Rtd) Tan Sri | name = Zain Hashim | native_name = {{Script/Arabic|زين هاشم}} | honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=MYS|size=100%|PGAT|PSM|SPMJ|SPSK|SIMP|PNBS|DCSM|DPMS|DSAP|DSMT|PGDK|JSM|SMJ|SMT|PPB|PJK (Negeri Sembilan)|PKB|PPA|PPM|PNBB}} {{post-nominals|country=MYS|size=100%|PJM|PM}} | image = Tan Sri Zain Hashim.jpg | caption = Zain's portrait, {{circa|1980s}} | order = 8th | office = Chief of Army (Malaysia){{!}}Chief of Army | term_start = 20 January 1981 | term_end = 16 January 1984 | monarch = Ahmad Shah | prime_minister = {{unbulleted list |Hussein Onn<br>{{small|(1981)}} |Mahathir Mohamad<br>{{small|(1981{{ndash}}1984)}} }}

| 1blankname = Minister of Defence | 1namedata = {{unbulleted list |Hussein Onn<br>{{small|(1981)}} |Mahathir Mohamad<br>{{small|(1981{{ndash}}1984)}} }} | deputy = | predecessor = Mohd Ghazali Mohd Seth | successor = Mohd Ghazali Che Mat | birth_name = Zain Abdul Rashid bin Mahmud Hashim | birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|8|1|df=yes}} | birth_place = Hampstead, London, England | death_date = {{Death date and age|2011|6|30|1930|8|1|df=yes}} | death_place = Selayang Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia | death_cause = | resting_place = | resting_place_coordinates = | citizenship = | height = | spouse = {{unbulleted list |{{marriage|Che Zaharah Alias|1961|1995|end=div.}} |{{marriage|Salifah Mohd Esa|1995}} }} | partner =  | relations = | children = 3 | parents =  | mother =  | father = | relatives = | education = | alma_mater = | occupation = | profession = | known_for = | signature = | signature_alt = | signature_size = | website =  | nickname = | allegiance = {{unbulleted list |{{flagd|UK}} British Malaya |{{MAS}} }} | branch = {{unbulleted list |{{flagd|UK}} British Colonial Auxiliary Forces |{{Army|MAS}} }} | service_years = 1949{{ndash}}1984 | rank = 30px General | unit = {{unbulleted list |Malay Regiment |Royal Armoured Corps }} | commands = | battles = {{unbulleted list |Malayan Emergency |Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation |Second Malayan Emergency }}  | module = | module2 = | module3 = | module4 = | module5 = | footnotes = }}

'''Zain bin Hashim'''{{Notetag|{{Blist|{{langx|ms-Arab|{{Script/Arabic|زين بن هاشم}}|label=Jawi}}|In some newsletters, he known as '''Zain bin Mahmud Hashim''' or '''Zain Abdul Rashid bin Mahmud Hashim'''}}}} (1 August 1930 – 30 June 2011), was a Malaysian military officer who served as the 8th chief of the Malaysian Army from January 1981 to January 1984.<ref name="SenaraiPTD">{{cite web|url=https://army.mil.my/index.php/mengenai-kami/profile/senarai-ptd|title=Senarai Panglima Tentera Darat|work=Official Website of the Malaysian Army|language=ms|access-date=29 July 2025}}</ref>

== Early life and education == Zain was born on 1 August 1930 in Hampstead, London and moved to Kelantan when he was one year old.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19500930-1.2.6|title=Sgt. Zain goes back|work=Singapore Free Press|date=30 September 1950|pages=1}}</ref> He attended secondary education at Ismail English School, Kota Bharu and graduated in 1948.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19480510-1.1.9|title=The Cambridge Exam. Results–2|work=The Straits Times|date=10 May 1948|pages=9}}</ref>

During his military career, Zain attended various courses at multiple institutions, such as Staff College, Camberley in 1958, the Imperial Defence College, London in 1971, and at Harvard Business School in 1984.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19580704-1.2.101|url-access=limited|title=For Training In England|work=Singapore Standard|date=4 July 1958|pages=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19710108-1.2.44|url-access=limited|title=MILITARY COURSE|work=Singapore Herald|date=8 January 1971|pages=6}}</ref><ref name="Retire"/>

== Military career == === Early military career === Zain joined the military in 1949 as a recruit for Malay Regiment before he selected to undergo the Officer Cadet Course for two years at Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1950.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19501002-1.2.77|title=Nine Malays For Sandhurst|work=Malaya Tribune|date=2 October 1950|pages=5}}</ref> After he completed the course, he was commissioned to second lieutenant and posted as company officer at the Federation Armoured Car Regiment.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19520902-1.2.65|title=Untitled|work=Singapore Standard|date=2 September 1952|pages=3}}</ref>

When he completed his course at Staff College, Camberley in 1960, he posted as brigade major of 3rd Infantry Brigade.<ref name=":1963" /> During the time in which he held that post, he served with his brigade under the Malayan Special Forces for United Nations Operation in the Congo (UNOC).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19601109-1.2.97|title=Malayan CO. meets U.N. officer|work=The Straits Times|date=9 November 1960|pages=10}}</ref>

When his assignment was completed in 1961, he posted as commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Federation Reconnaissance Corps and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He held that position until 1963, when he was transferred at the Ministry of Defence to serve as a Principal Staff Officer in the Personnel Division.<ref name=":1963">{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630703-1.2.89|title=A new staff officer at Ministry of Defence|work=The Straits Times|date=3 July 1963|pages=10}}</ref>

In early August 1967, he was promoted to colonel and appointed commander of the Kuala Lumpur Garrison.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19670805-1.2.10.25|url-access=limited|title=Commander of K.L. Garrison|work=Eastern Sun|date=5 August 1967|pages=12}}</ref>

=== Rise to flag rank === In October 1968, he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed as chief of personnel staff at the Ministry of Defence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19681012-1.2.10|title=DUA LAGI NAIK PANGKAT BRIG. GENERAL|language=ms|work=Berita Harian|date=12 October 1968|pages=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19681027-1.2.90|title=Pegawai bertukar di-hormati mengikut tradisi tentera|language=ms|work=Berita Harian|date=27 October 1968|pages=12}}</ref> He held the position until he was transferred and appointed the commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade in Kuching a year later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19691023-1.2.19|url-access=limited|title=Ketua baharu Briged Ke-3|language=ms|work=Berita Harian|date=23 October 1969|pages=15}}</ref>

After completing a course at the Imperial Defence College, London, he was appointed as commander of the 7th Infantry Brigade in late 1972.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B90qAAAAIBAJ&dq=Gen+Zain+hashim&pg=PA3&article_id=1818,4626703|title=Promotion for top brass in shake-up|work=New Straits Times|date=7 December 1972|pages=5}}</ref>

In early 1977, he was appointed as Chief of Logistic Staff before he was transferred as Deputy Chief of Army in the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19770101-1.2.27.5|title=M'sia umumkan naik pangkat tiga pegawai kanan tentera|language=ms|work=Berita Harian|date=1 January 1977|pages=3}}</ref>

He was promoted to lieutenant general in early October 1980.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IeNLAAAAIBAJ&dq=zain+mahmud+hashim&pg=PA1&article_id=5642,111221|title=Army chief made full General|work=New Straits Times|date=1 November 1980|pages=1}}</ref>

=== Chief of Army === Zain was appointed as the 8th Chief of Army on 20 January 1981, following his predecessor, Mohd Ghazali Mohd Seth, the 7th Chief of Defense Forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810106-1.2.113.3.2|url-access=limited|title=Gen Sany's successor?|work=The Straits Times|date=6 January 1981|pages=28}}</ref> He held the post until 16 January 1984, when he was succeeded by Mohd Ghazali Che Mat.<ref name="Retire">{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840108-1.2.17.11|url-access=limited|title=Red strength in jungles 'greatly reduced'|work=The Straits Times|date=8 January 1984|pages=7}}</ref>

== Personal life == === Family === Zain was married Che Zaharah binti Alias in 1961 and had one daughter and one son with her.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19611128-1.2.58|title=Another Congo veteran weds|work=The Straits Times|date=28 November 1961|pages=8}}</ref> Zain and Zaharah officially divorced in 1995. That same year, he married Salifah binti Mohd Esa, and later had one son with her.<ref>{{cite book|author=Mukhtar Abdullah|year=2019|title=Muta'ah Bukanlah Suatu Tuntutan Balas Dendam|language=ms|url=https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/document/PRAXISJanMar2019.pdf|publisher=Malaysian Bar Council|pages=12–20|access-date=3 March 2026}}</ref>

=== Death === Zain was pronounced dead at 3:50 PM on 30 June 2011 at Selayang Hospital, Selangor, with the cause of death being old age. That night, he was buried at Section 9 Muslim Cemetery, Kota Damansara.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/168551|title=Bekas PTD Tan Sri Zain Hashim meninggal dunia|language=ms|publisher=MalaysiaKini|date=1 July 2011|access-date=5 March 2026}}</ref>

== Honours == === Honours of Malaysia === * {{Flag|Malaysia}} ** 50px Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – '''Tan Sri''' (1981)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1981.pdf|title=Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan Tahun 1981|website=www.istiadat.gov.my}}</ref> ** 50px Companion of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (JSM) (1969)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1969.pdf|title=Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan Tahun 1969|website=www.istiadat.gov.my}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19690831-1.2.8|title=4 'Tan Sri' antara 350 yg terima penghormatan|language=ms|work=Berita Harian|date=31 August 1969|pages=1}}</ref> ** 50px Recipient of the Active Service Medal (PKB) ** 50px Recipient of the General Service Medal (PPA) ** 50px Recipient of the Malaysian Commemorative Medal (Silver) (PPM (P)) ** 50px Recipient of the United Nations Missions Service Medal (PNBB) with "CONGO" clasp (1995)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cLlOAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA4&dq=Aboo+samah+aboo+bakar&article_id=5670,3445976|title=Peacekeeping military officers receive medals|work=New Straits Times|date=9 June 1995|pages=7}}</ref> * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Malaysian Armed Forces.svg}} Malaysian Armed Forces ** 50px Courageous Commander of the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PGAT) (1983)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hq9UAAAAIBAJ&dq=panglima+gagah+angkatan+tentera&pg=PA1&article_id=4044,2462988|title=King Receives Highest Forces Award|work=New Straits Times|date=13 September 1983|pages=1}}</ref> ** 50px Recipient of the Malaysian Service Medal (PJM) * {{Flag|Johor}} ** 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor (SPMJ) – '''Dato'''' ** 50px Companion of the Order of the Crown of Johor (SMJ) (1972)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CN0qAAAAIBAJ&dq=Gen+zain+hashim&pg=PA6&article_id=2372,2030305|title=Ministers head Sultan's awards list|work=New Straits Times|date=16 November 1972|pages=11}}</ref> * {{Flag|Kelantan}} ** 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Loyalty to the Crown of Kelantan (SPSK) – '''Dato'''' (1981)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zQdfAAAAIBAJ&dq=Zain+hashim&pg=PA3&article_id=7104,6459551|title=Sultan: Be on guard against anti-nationals|work=New Straits Times|date=31 March 1981|pages=5}}</ref> ** 50px Recipient of Sultan Ismail Petra Coronation Medal * {{flag|Malacca}} ** 50px Knight Commander of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DCSM) – '''Datuk Wira''' (1983)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LK5UAAAAIBAJ&dq=Jen+zain+hashim&pg=PA2&article_id=6512,1553630|title=Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri honours 130: Hon Nyan and Adib get second highest award|work=New Straits Times|date=8 June 1983|pages=3}}</ref> * {{Flag|Negeri Sembilan}} ** 50px Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (PJK) * {{flag|Pahang}} ** 50px Knight Grand Companion of the Order of the Crown of Pahang (SIMP) – formerly '''Dato'''', now '''Dato' Indera''' ** 50px Knight Companion of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (DSAP) – '''Dato'''' ** 50px Recipient of the Sultan Ahmad Shah Installation Medal * {{Flag|Sabah|1963}} ** 50px Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (PGDK) – '''Datuk''' * {{Flag|Sarawak|1973}} ** 50px Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PNBS) – formerly '''Dato'''', now '''Dato Sri''' ** 50px Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (PPB) * {{Flag|Selangor}} ** 50px Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (DPMS) – '''Dato'''' (1982)<ref>{{cite web|title=DPMS 1982|url=https://awards.selangor.gov.my/penerima/warta/maklumat-penerima/1982d.p.m.s.zainhashim|website=awards.selangor.gov.my|access-date=16 January 2026}}</ref> * {{Flag|Terengganu}} ** 50px Knight Companion of the Order of Sultan Mahmud I of Terengganu (DSMT) – '''Dato'''' (1982)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/NA/Newspaper/0034/0034/NewStraitsTimes%5B29Apr1982%5BJohoreRulerHeadsHonoursList.pdf|title=Johor Ruler heads honours list|work=New Straits Times|date=29 April 1982|pages=5}}</ref> ** 50px Companion of the Order of the Crown of Terengganu (SMT) (1965)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19650626-1.2.15|title=Menteri Muda terima anugerah di-raja bergelar Dato|language=ms|work=Berita Harian|date=26 June 1965|pages=2}}</ref> ** 50px Recipient of the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Silver Jubilee Medal ** 50px Recipient of the Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Coronation Medal

=== Foreign honours === * {{Flag|Thailand}} ** 50px Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Thailand (PM) (1983)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AAROAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA5&dq=Jen+zain+hashim&article_id=3528,1542727|title=Army chief receives Thai award|work=New Straits Times|date=8 April 1983|pages=7}}</ref> * {{Flag|United Kingdom}} ** 50px Recipient of the General Service Medal with "MALAYA" clasp ** 50px Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal * {{Flag|United Nations}} ** 50px Recipient of the ONUC Medal

== Notes == {{NoteFoot}}

== References == {{Reflist}} {{Portal bar|Malaysia|Biography}}

Category:1930 births Category:2011 deaths Category:People from Kelantan Category:Malaysian people of Malay descent Category:Malaysian Muslims Category:Malaysian Army personnel Category:20th-century Malaysian people Category:Commanders of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor Category:Knights Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor Category:Commanders of the Order of Kinabalu Category:Companions of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia Category:Companions of the Order of the Crown of Johor Category:People from Hampstead