KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — Chief Secretary to the government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali today announced the appointment of Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican as Treasury secretary-general with immediate effect.

He said the appointment was based on Johan’s qualifications, leadership qualities and vast experience in the economic, financial and policy sectors.

"I have full confidence in his qualifications, experience and credibility in bearing the trust and supporting the mission and vision to continue achieving excellence through the efficient, transparent and effective management of the nation’s finances and economy in line with Malaysia Madani,” Mohd Zuki said in a statement.

Johan's last role was as the deputy secretary-general of the Treasury (Policy).

Mohd Zuki added that prior to that, Johan had served as the Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) chief executive officer, deputy director-general (human capital) of the Economic Planning Unit under the Prime Minister's Department, and director of the Ministry of Finance's National Budget Office.

He also said Johan has a first-class degree from the University of Cambridge and is a trained chartered accountant.