JJ – from lecturer to politician and diplomat

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Jama­luddin Jarjis, “JJ” to his friends, started out as a lecturer in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia before embar­king on his colourful career as a politician and diplomat.

First elected as MP for Rompin in 1990, Jamaluddin has also held three key Cabinet portfolios – Second Finance Minister (2002-2004); Domestic Trade and Con­sumer Affairs (January-March, 2004); and Science, Technology and Innovation (2004-2008).

He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) – both qualifications obtained from Canadian universities.

“Power” being his forte, the father of four was chairman of Tenaga Nasional Bhd, and also chaired the Public Accounts Committee and the influential Backbenchers’ Club.

His biggest posting was as ambassador to the United States between 2009 and 2011.

Among friends, he is known as the quintessential politician and a diplomat extraordinaire.

He was friendly, approachable and easily accessible.

For those who have worked with Jamaluddin, he was a good teacher.

Syamil Zayid, who has only been his private secretary for 16 months, said: “He was like a father figure and teacher to me. He trained me well.

“The last time I saw him on Thursday, he was his cheerful self.”