The director of the Federal Development Department, Selangor, Abdul Ghani Salleh, has been appointed as the secretary of the Election Commission (EC) effective Aug 19.

The EC said in a statement today that Abdul Ghani, 55, succeeds Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria who retired on Aug 13 after being appointed to the post on Oct 1, 2010.

“The EC hopes that with his vast experience in the civil service, Abdul Ghani’s appointment as the new EC secretary can lead the EC secretariat in planning, coordinating and implementing policies determined by the EC in an efficient and effective manner,” the commission said.

Abdul Ghani joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Service officer on Jan 9, 1984.

He had held various positions at the state level including as Gombak district officer on Aug 1, 2006 and subsequently appointed as the director of the Selangor State Development Office on May 2, 2008.

Meanwhile, the EC recorded its appreciation and gratitude to Kamaruddin for his contribution and services to the commission.

- Bernama