PUTRAJAYA: With Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali retiring after having served his two-year contract as Chief Secretary to the Government, the question among civil servants is who will take over the top post in the civil service.
While the names of several senior civil servants have been circulated as potential candidates, the Prime Minister, however, remains tightlipped, saying that he has yet to identify the right person.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who announced Mohd Zuki’s retirement at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly, gave his assurance that the new top civil servant would be announced soon.
“No (we don’t have a candidate yet), but will announce it very soon,” he told reporters briefly when asked about the matter.
Mohd Zuki’s contract ends on Aug 10.
Earlier at the assembly, Anwar said the event would be the last that Mohd Zuki would be attending.
“While he may be retiring from the civil service, Mohd Zuki will not be totally going into retirement as he has other important duties waiting for him.
“Nonetheless, he has given me the commitment to continue to help in making this country a success,” he said.
Anwar paid tribute to Mohd Zuki, saying that his advice and views had helped the administration record positive outcomes for Malaysia.
“The Chief Secretary may have worked with other prime ministers before me, but from the first day I took office, he has shared views and given sound advice that is for the betterment of the civil service and the country,” Anwar said.
As Prime Minister, Anwar said he is in constant communication with Mohd Zuki and had even called the latter at night, odd hours and even during weekends.
“Not once did he complain. In fact, he would help me find the best solution to whatever issues or problems I raised,” he said.
Anwar said while reports on weaknesses and leakages in the civil service were often reported, he acknowledged that many officers go above and beyond to serve the country.
“It is impossible for the country to record successes, the economy to be strong – investments will not pour in and projects cannot proceed without all of you.
“In my experience in heading the administration, my work burden is lightened because there are many committed civil servants who dedicate their time and energy to Malaysia,” he added.
Mohd Zuki, 62, has held the post of Chief Secretary to the Government since Dec 31, 2019.
On Aug 11, 2022, he was reappointed to the post on a contract basis for two years.
Born in Kuala Terengganu, Mohd Zuki joined the public service in 1992 as an assistant secretary at the Finance Ministry.
He went on to serve other ministries, including Finance, Education, Defence, Rural and Regional Development, as well as the Prime Minister’s Department, in various capacities.
