KUALA LUMPUR: The country today lost a highly regarded and respected eminent figure in the public service with the death of former Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tun Dr Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.
Born on Sept 16, 1938 in Tapah, Perak, Ahmad Sarji received his early education at the Government English School in Tapah and went on to study for a Master's degree in public administration at Harvard University, USA,
Ahmad, 82, began his career in public administration when he joined the Malayan Administrative Service (now known as the Administrative and Diplomatic Service) as Klang deputy assistant district officer on Jan 10, 1961.
He was Rembau District Officer in 1963 and then went on to become the Port Dickson District Officer, a post he held from 1964 until 1967 before appointed as Assistant Director (Service) of the Public Service Department the following year (1968) and then as Secretary (Cabinet Division) of the Prime Minister's Department in 1972.
After that, Ahmad Sarji was appointed to lead several government agencies, including as Director General of the Farmers Organisation Board (1973-1979) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) in 1981 and then as Deputy Director General of the Public Service Department (PSD) from 1981 to 1985.
In 1981, he was appointed Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and held the post until Jan 31, 1990.
The peak of Ahmad Sarji's career in the civil service was when he was appointed Chief Secretary to the Government from Feb 1, 1990 until his retirement on Sept 16, 1993 and then continued to hold the post on contract until Sept 15, 1996.
The chairman of Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) had also served as Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNITAR) in 2003 and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2006, chancellor of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK) in 2012 and Malaysia's chef-de-mission for the London Olympics in 2012.
In June 2008, Ahmad Sarji was bestowed the Seri Setia Mahkota Malaysia (SSN) which carried the title "Tun".
In December 1962, he married Toh Puan Sagiyah Salikin and they were blessed with five children.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Aug 28 2021
The country today lost a highly regarded and respected eminent figure in the public service with the death of former Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tun Dr Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid. - AWANI
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.