Ismail Bakar has been appointed as the new Treasury secretary-general effective today, chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa announced.

Ismail, 58, replaces Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, whose service contract as Treasury secretary-general was shortened to June 14, 2018, and was transferred to the Public Service Department since May 14.

Ali said Ismail, who has been with the public service for 32 years, had vast experience in financial and economic management through his service career.

Prior to this appointment, Ismail was the secretary-general at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry.

He also held the positions of secretary-general at the Ministry of Transport, director of National Budget at the National Budget Office, Finance Ministry, and senior adviser, World Bank Headquarters in Washington, United States.

Ismail holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from Universiti Malaya, Masters of Business Administration and PhD in Economics, both from the University of Hull, United Kingdom.

“I believe the knowledge, experience and credibility that he has will enable him to carry out his responsibilities effectively and able to continue the Finance Ministry’s vision as the strategic leader in financial and economic success to ensure sustainable growth for the prosperity of the people and the country,” Ali said.

- Bernama