Mohd Hashim Abdullah new EC chairman

Election Commission deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah has been appointed the chairman of the commission with effect from Sunday Jan 24.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, had consented to the appointment of Mohd Hashim, 62, in accordance with Clause 1 Article 114 of the Federal Constitution.

Mohd Hashim takes over from Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof whose term of office expired upon his attaining the age of 66 in accordance with Clause 3 Article 114 of the Federal Constitution.

Ali, on behalf of the government, expressed gratitude and thanks to Abdul Aziz for having served as the EC chairman for seven years and having implemented his responsibilities with excellence.

Mohd Hashim, who was born in Kota Baharu on Oct 8, 1954, holds a Master's degree in Political Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

He began his career in the civil service on April 2, 1980, as an administrative officer with Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

He last held the post of secretary-general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry.

Mohd Hashim retired from the civil service on Aug 31, 2014, and was appointed the EC deputy chairman on Sept 5 of the same year.