Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan as the new health director-general, succeeding the esteemed Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, as confirmed by the Health Ministry.
Effective April 21, Dr Radzi took up the mantle, as Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa highlighted in a statement. Dr Zaliha commended Dr Radzi’s impressive experience and qualifications in public health, noting his previous role as the deputy health director-general for research and technical support.
Dr Radzi is no stranger to the health sector. As one of Dr Noor Hisham’s three dependable deputies, he has served as Kedah’s chief medical coordinator and the state’s Clinical Research Centre leader.
Additionally, he held the position of medical department chief at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Kedah.
Between 2013 and 2021, Dr Radzi was appointed head of services for gastroenterology and hepatology and also chaired the accreditation board for the field.
Dr Zaliha expressed confidence that with his experience, expertise, and credibility, Dr Radzi will be a valuable team player in transforming the public health service.
Dr Noor Hisham, the former health director-general, retired on April 21 after an impressive 35-year tenure at the Health Ministry. He served as director-general since 2013 and as deputy prior to that, beginning in 2008. Dr Noor Hisham gained nationwide recognition for his leadership during the country’s fight against Covid-19.
Dr Radzi faced strong competition for the top role, with two other deputy director-generals being considered: Datuk Dr Asmayani Khalib (medical) and Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli (public health).
