Bank Rakyat has appointed former principal private secretary to the Prime Minister Tan Sri Syukry Mohd Salleh as its Chairman, effective Jan 3.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said Mohd Syukry's vast experience in security management, development and management at the state and federal levels would put him in good stead in his new role.

"Hopefully, his experience can help strengthen Bank Rakyat's position as the largest Islamic cooperative bank in the country," Hamzah said in a statement.

Among the posts Mohd Syukry held previously were head of the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, general manager of the South Kelantan Development Authority, director of the Kelantan Development Office, director of the Perak Registration Department, secretary of the Sabah State Security Committee, and Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.

Hamzah also thanked Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad, who assumed the role of interim chairman of Bank Rakyat from Aug 30, 2016 until Jan 2, 2017. - BERNAMA