Percival was made a full colonel in March 1936, and until 1938 he was General Staff Officer Grade 1 in Malaya, the Chief of Staff to General Dobbie, the General Officer Commanding in Malaya.
Percival utnämndes till överste i mars 1936, och till 1938 var han generalstabsofficer av första graden i Malaya, stabschefs åt general Dobbie som var General Officer Commanding i Malaya.