Defence Ministry's policy division secretary Dr Ismail Ahmad has been appointed secretary-general of the ministry effective tomorrow.

Ismail, 55, succeeds Abu Bakar Abdullah who was appointed Public Service Department director-general effective July 1, said chief secretary to the government Sidek Hassan in a statement today.

Sidek said he was confident that Ismail would be able to harness the full potential of all quarters in the ministry to ensure successful implementation of the country's policies and defence needs.

According to Sidek, Ismail was previously involved in formulating internal defence, maritime and air space policies while internationally he strived to enhance defence cooperation through Asean and the Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA).

Ismail obtained a bachelor degree in international relations, a masters degree in public administration and a doctorate in public policy, all from Universiti Malaya.

- Bernama