KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan's appointment as defence minister under the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a career leap for him.
However, despite being a new face in the federal cabinet, the man popularly known as "Tok Mat" is no stranger to positions of power.
He has the qualifications and credibility accumulated from over 25 years in politics to face the challenges that come with the new portfolio.
Mohamad has extensive experience in the economy and state administration, which has been proven by his excellent performance in leading the Negri Sembilan government as its menteri besar for almost 20 years, having first taken the helm in 2004.
The 66-year-old politician has a strong personality, which will be important in facing various security challenges of this modern era, as well as the threat of Covid-19 even though the country has moved into an endemic phase.
Among Mohamad's proudest achievements is the huge potential development in Sendayan with the construction of the Sendayan air base in 303.5ha of land in 2018.
The Umno deputy president contested a parliamentary seat for the first time during the 15th General Election last month and won comfortably with a 19,897-vote majority in the five-cornered fight.
Mohamad, who hails from Kampung Kundur Hilir, Rantau, is married to Datin Seri Raja Salbiah Tunku Nujumuddin. They have a son and four daughters.
With a degree in International Relations from Universiti Malaya and extensive experience in the financial and banking sectors, Mohamad has held the highest positions in renowned organisations such as Khazanah Nasional, where he was on the board of directors, and Cold Storage (M) Bhd, where he held the position of chief executive officer.
He was also the chairman of Fima Bhd Group in 2003 and adviser to Mercedes Benz Asia Pte Ltd for the Southeast Asia Region, as well as managing director of Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd in 1994. — BERNAMA