KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has returned to join the new cabinet of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development.
The 69-year-old UMNO president, who is no stranger in the political and administrative arena, was appointed the country's number two leader in 2015 when it was led by Barisan Nasional.
Ahmad Zahid, who hails from Kampong Sungai Nipah Darat, Bagan Datuk has held several other positions including home minister, defence minister and minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
The father of five was also appointed as a member of the Senate, member of the Board of Directors of FGV Downstream as well as member of the Management Board of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).
The Bagan Datuk MP obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the Universiti Malaya in 1976. He earned a Master's of Science in Corporate Communication in 2000, and subsequently a PhD in Communication from UPM.
Ahmad Zahid became active in politics when he was elected as Bagan Datuk UMNO Youth head in 1984.
He was later elected as UMNO Youth Information chief, UMNO Youth chief and Bagan Datuk UMNO Division chief.
In addition, Ahmad Zahid has also served as chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
In private sector, Ahmad Zahid has worked as a bank officer, marketing manager of Amanah Saham Nasional, chairman of Transwater Corporation Bhd and chairman of the Syarikat Perumahan Negara (SPNB).
His vast experience in banking led to his appointment as BSN chairman from 1994 to 1999.
He has also served as chairman of Majuperak Bhd and chairman of Harta Perak Corporation Bhd.
In the 15th General Election, Ahmad Zahid won with a narrow margin of 348 votes defeating Pakatan Harapan's Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mat Akin (16,230), Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Dr Nik Muhammad Faiz Naaman (8,822) and Independent, Mohamed Tawfik Tun Dr Ismail (226).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Dec 03 2022
His Majesty bestows the appointment document as DPM to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Appointment Ceremony and the Ceremony of Taking the Oath of Office and Loyalty and the Federal Minister's Oath of Secrecy at Istana Negara today. - BERNAMA
Lebanese search for dead in devastated villages as Israel withdraws
Hezbollah says Israel was still occupying Lebanese territory and put the onus on the Lebanese state to get Israeli forces out.
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.
Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.