What is laksamana?

Laksamana is a title given to a high-ranking naval officer in various Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The word Laksamana is derived from the Sanskrit word "lakshmana", meaning "sign" or "symbol". The title is often used as a military rank in the navy, above the rank of captain and below the rank of admiral. In Malaysia, the Laksamana is the second-highest rank in the navy, while in Indonesia, it is the highest naval rank. The Laksamana is responsible for leading naval operations, managing resources, and commanding naval personnel. In some countries, the title is also used for non-military positions, such as the prime minister's chief of staff or head of state.