PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee (pic) is the new director-general of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
Formerly its deputy director-general (policy), he will assume the post with immediate effect.
Sirajuddin, 57, succeeds Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, who had held the position since March 21, 2022.
Announcing Sirajuddin’s appointment in a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said it aims to strengthen the delivery of Islamic affairs services in line with the public service reform agenda.
It is also to further solidify Jakim’s role as the leading department for Islamic affairs in Malaysia, he added, according to Bernama.
Shamsul Azri noted that Sirajuddin, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in syariah law from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, began his public service career as an assistant director (Dakwah) at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department on Jan 2, 1992.
Sirajuddin, who also holds a Master’s in information technology from Universiti Teknologi Mara and a PhD in computer science from the University of South Australia, has served in numerous senior roles including senior director of Jakim’s Research Division, director of Jakim’s Halal Management Division, and first secretary (halal) at the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra, Australia.
In the same statement, Shamsul Azri also announced Hakimah’s appointment as the religious affairs co-ordinator, responsible for coordination between Jakim, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Halal Development Corporation Bhd, effective yesterday.
Shamsul Azri highlighted that Hakimah, who made history as the first woman to be appointed as Jakim director-general, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficient and globally recognised management of Malaysia’s halal affairs.
“With these appointments, it is hoped that Jakim will continue to elevate the stature of Islam and position itself as a comprehensive and competitive federal agency for Islamic affairs on the global stage,” he said.
