PENANG, 8 March 2013 – A Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Bachelor of Science (Housing, Building and Planning) (Hons) graduate of 1980 who entered service in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service on 1 December 1981, Datuk Farida Mohd Ali was appointed Chief Secretary to the Ministry of Health effective 15 March.

 Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa said that Farida, previously the Deputy Director of Public Services (Development), was appointed to replace Datuk Kamarul Zaman Md Isa who opted for optional retirement after serving for 35 years.

 Datuk Farida had also been, the Assistant Director of the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister's Department; Principal Assistant Director (Sectoral) in Pahang State Economic Planning Unit; Senior Assistant Director of Budget, Budget Management Division, Ministry of Finance and Director of Organisational Development, the Department of Public Service .

 The USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dato’ Omar Osman supported the appointment and extended his congratulations to her on the appointment.

 “USM is proud with the achievements of Datuk Farida and pray that she continues to excel in contributing to the nation and society as a whole,” said Omar.

 He added that this appointment was a public recognition of another USM alumnus and hoped that she will be another icon of USM alumni success.

 Reference: http://www.pmo.gov.my/ksn/home.php?frontpage/media/detail/2310