JCorp’s former CEO Muhammad Ali dies at 70

ktbjohor 4...Group Chief Executive Johor Corporation Tan Sri Datuk Muhammad Ali Hashim/pic by SAZUKI EMBONG/Feb 2/2008

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Corp’s (JCorp) former president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim will be remembered for his entrepreneurial vision and guiding hand in building the corporation.

Muhammad Ali, who died of cancer at the age of 70 at KPJ Damansara at 3.30pm today, will be buried at the Bukit Kiara Islamic Cemetery here after a funeral prayer at the At-Taqwa Mosque, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, his daughter, Alia Muhammad Ali told the media.

Allahyarham is survived by his wife and three children.

Muhammad Ali served the Johor’s state investment corporation for 28 years from January 1982 until July 2010 and under his leadership, JCorp became one of Malaysia’s leading corporations, with some 280 companies under its wing.

Through its group of companies, JCorp emerged one the domestic market leaders in several of its core businesses, particularly in Kulim (M) businesses, specialist healthcare businesses, and food & restaurant services. The group has also established property, industrial development and corporate responsibility divisions.

The group owns operations and business interests not only in Malaysia, but also in Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Australia.

Muhammad Ali was also a former Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce (MICC) president, Corporate Bureau of MICC chairman, and Waqaf An-Nur Corp Bhd chairman.

Among others, he had served as Johor economic relations officer, Bank Negara Malaysia since 1971; Chief Assistant Secretary, Sarawak Chief Minister’s Office, since 1972; deputy director, planning unit, Sarawak State Government from 1974 to 1977; and project manager, Kulim (M) Bhd since 1978. 

He was chairman of advisory council at KFC Holdings (M) Bhd since July 6, 2006 and chairman of Kumpulan Perubatan (Johor) Sdn Bhd.

Commenting on Muhammad Ali’s passing, Ambank Group chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said it was a loss to the Malay community and the nation, and the business community would miss him dearly.

“He had contributed immensely to Johor and the country. JCorp was involved in a variety of investments in several sectors such as medical services and plantation, and he has brought about a lot of development during his tenure as its CEO,” he said.

Muhammad Ali graduated with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from University of Malaya in 1969 and joined the Senior Executive Programme at Stanford University, the United States in 1985.

He awarded Doctor of Philosophy Honorary Degrees in entrepreneurship, business and management by eight Malaysian universities.

Muhammad Ali had written three books, namely Membujur Lalu - Satu Pengalaman Orang Melayu Dalam Pengurusan (1995), Bisnes Satu Cabang Jihad - Pembudayaan Bisnes Untuk Survival (2003) and Khalifah Ganti Superman (2011).

For his contribution to the development of entrepreneurship and the economic position of the Muslim community, he was awarded the Maal Hijrah Appreciation Award by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2007.

He was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Rotary Club of Johor Baru in 1994 and Director of the Year 1995 by the Malaysian Institute of Directors for his commitment towards quality, entrepreneurial effort and professionalism.  - Bernama