Former face of GST is Customs Dept’s new directorgeneral
PUTRAJAYA: The man who became the Customs Department’s public face during the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is now its new chief.
Customs deputy director-general Datuk Subromaniam Tholasy has been appointed as the department’s new director-general.
The 58-year-old, whose appointment took effect yesterday, replaced Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad, who retired.
Subromaniam served as the GST director when the tax was introduced in 2014.
He gave many media briefings to clarify issues related to the tax, making him a familiar figure among the public when it came to issues involving the GST.
Subromaniam joined the public sector as a Customs officer in 1984.
He has a nuclear physics degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and a Masters in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Hampshire in the United States.
With 33 years of service at the department, Subromaniam has a wide range of experience in administration, tax management and enforcement.
Prior to the appointment, Subromaniam was in charge of enforcement and compliance at the department.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa voiced confidence that Subromaniam would carry out his new responsibilities well.
“I believe that he will be able to continue with the department’s vision to provide services that are world class.
“On behalf of the Government, I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to Khazali for his 36 years of service and his dedication to the country,” said Dr Ali.