PENANG, 5 June 2013 – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Prof. Dato’ Dr. Omar Osmancongratulated USM alumni, Dato’ Wira Haji Mohd Puat Haji Mohd Ali for being appointed as the new State Secretaryof Kedah effective from June 7, succeeding Datuk Rasli Basir who has retired.

Omar welcomed the appointment and express his sincerest congratulations on the appointment.

"USM is very proud of Mohd Puat’s achievement and hope that he will continue to excel and contribute to the nation in the various government transformation programmes.  

"This appointment is a recognition to yet another USM alumnus and hope it will be a source of inspiration and icon tothe USM undergraduates," said Omar.

Mohd Puat holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in 1978 and also a Project Planning Certificate fromBradford University, United Kingdom in 1997.

He started his career as a state administrative officer in 1978. He has also served in key positions in the state administration including Assistant District Officer, Principal Assistant State Secretary (Local Government), and the District Land Administrator.

He was also entrusted by the Public Service Department to lead the Malaysian Civil Servants Exchange Group to South Korea. - Text: Sharifah Syed Ahmad Amir Feisal Darweena/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe