I agree wholeheartedly that the promotions within the commissioned officer ranks of the AFM are difficult to understand especially as the promotion board is chaired by a civilian.
This is especially so in the case of majors. I would like to point out however that in the case of Major (now Lt Colonel) Mark Mallia, as far as I can remember it has been normal practice that the ADC has been filled by a Lt Colonel especially towards the end of the tenure of office of the President of the Republic.
Incidentally, what has happened to the board of investigation into promotions chaired by a former commander of the AFM?