Chief Secretary to the Government Ali Hamsa said Ismail had served in the public sector for 32 years since he first joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Service on Jan 13, 1986.

“He has extensive experience in economic and finance management through his service as the agriculture and agro-based industry ministry’s chief secretary, transport ministry’s chief secretary, the finance ministry’s budget director and senior advisor to the World Bank in Washington,” he said in a statement.

Ali Hamsa also said he was confident in Ismail’s ability to contribute to the finance ministry’s goal of seeing competitive growth in the country.

“I believe that with his knowledge, experience and credibility, Ismail will be able to carry out his responsibilities effectively.”

This followed the government’s decision on May 14 to shorten Irwan’s service contract as Treasury secretary-general to June 14.

Irwan was originally appointed to the position from March 7 last year to March 6, 2019.