KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 -- Malaysia's first ethnic Chinese to reach the rank of lieutenant general, Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng, has retired after his promotion in June.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced Lim's retirement yesterday, after receiving a courtesy visit from the latter at Wisma Pertahanan.

"On behalf of the government and the Ministry of Defence, I express my appreciation to him for all his dedicated service and contributions to the country and military service.

"I hope he can continue to contribute to the homeland in his own capacity. Thank you, General, and congratulations on entering retirement," Khaled said.

Lim made history last month when he became the first ethnic Chinese to be promoted to the r...