KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamad has been appointed as the new Director General of Public Services Department (PSD), filling the position which had been vacant since last December.
The appointment of Zulkapli, 58, who has served for 31 years in the public service sector was announced by the Chief Secretary, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali today.
Zuki in a statement said Zulkapli's appointment was approved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and it came into effect today.
Zulkapli holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in addition to a Master's Degree in International Development from the University of Japan and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics (International Finance) from the Meiji University in Japan.
He started serving in the public service with his first position as Assistant Secretary in the Training Division at the PSD on Dec 1, 1992.
Zuki said Zulkapli's appointment was based on his extensive experience in various fields including policy, management and services, as well as human capital development.
"He has also served as the Deputy Director General of Public Services (Development) at PSD, as well as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at SWCorp and the Sabah Federal Secretary.
"I am confident that with the knowledge and credibility he possesses, he will be able to bear the trust and responsibility in supporting efforts and ensuring that public sector reform is in line with the aspirations of Madani Malaysia's aspirations," he said.
The PSD position is vacant after the service of Datuk Seri Mohd Shafiq Abdullah was terminated effective Dec 12 last year.
It follows a viral incident between Shafiq and Immigration Department officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Aug 3.
Meanwhile, Datuk Johan Mahmood @ Johan Mahmood Merican has been appointed as the new Treasury secretary-general, effective today (Feb 27), revealed Zuki.
He said the appointment of Johan, 50, who was previously Treasury deputy secretary-general (Policy), had received the consent of the King.
Zuki said the appointment was based on his qualifications, leadership qualities and extensive experience while holding several positions in the fields of economics, finance and policy-making.
"I have full confidence in his qualifications, experience and credibility to carry the trust and support the mission and vision in continuing the excellence of the country's financial and economic management which is efficient, transparent and effective in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani," he said.
Johan is a first class graduate from the University of Cambridge and a chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Talent Corp Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), Deputy Director-General (Policy) of the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister's Department and Director of the National Budget, Finance Ministry.