Ismail Bakar is new chief secretary to the government
PUTRAJAYA: Treasury secretarygeneral Datuk Seri Ismail Bakar has been appointed the new chief secretary to the government, taking over from Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad handed over the letter of appointment to Ismail at a brief meeting at his office in Perdana Putra here yesterday.
Ali’s contract ended yesterday. He had served for more than six years.
Ismail said he would implement the prime minister’s instructions well to ensure efficient delivery of the public service.
“In this era, we want to ensure that integrity and accountability are at the best levels among the civil servants,” he said.
Asked about the performance of the public sector, Ismail said overall, it was at an excellent level, but it was necessary to regain the people’s trust.
“Generally, we are happy with the performance of the civil servants,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Ismail, 58, who had served 32 years in the civil service, had extensive experience in economic and financial management.
Ismail began his career in the Administrative and Diplomatic Corps in January 1986.
Ali, in his farewell message, urged civil servants to uphold the dedication and integrity of the civil service.
He also thanked Dr Mahathir, his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and all cabinet members for their efforts to take the country’s administration to a higher level.
Ali also congratulated his successor on his appointment as the 14th chief secretary to the government.
“I wish him well in carrying out his duties to the best of his abilities and continue the outstanding record of the Office of the Chief Secretary to the Government.”