The Director of the Institut Aminuddin Baki, Abdul Ghafar Mahmud, has been appointed as the new Director-General of Education, succeeding Alimuddin Mohd Dom who retired yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the appointment, which
took effect yesterday, was in line with the proviso 144(3) of the federal constitution.

"Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has given his consent to the appointment of Abdul Ghafar as the Director-General of Education on Premier Grade Staff III," he said in a statement.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said the appointment was made based on the vast experience that Abdul Ghafar had in the field of education and knowledge as well as his compentency.

"I believe that his experience, knowledge and commitment will enable him to discharge his responsibilities as provided for in the Education Act 1996," said Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin also recorded the government's appreciation for the contribution made by Alimuddin throughout his 34 years' service in the field of education.

Abdul Ghafar, 56, holds a Bachelors degree in Education from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom and a Master of Arts from the University of Malaya.

He began his career in public service as an Education Service Officer on May 1, 1977.

Throughout his service in the field of education, Abdul Ghafar had held various key posts including as the Education Attache in the Malaysian Students Department, Washington, United States (1989), and Head of the School Inspectorate and Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education in 2008.

- Bernama