by ASILA JALIL / graphic by MZUKRI MOHAMAD

TAN Sri Dr Ali Hamsa (picture) has passed away today at the age of 67 while seeking treatment  in Dublin Hospital, Ireland.

The Johor native joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Trade in 1981.

He also had a short stint at the Ministry of Transport before leaving in 1992 to obtain his Ph.D in 1997. Among other departments that he had served include the Economic Planning Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.

He was appointed as the 13th Chief Secretary to the Government in 2012 during the premiership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He left office in August 2018 and was replaced by Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar under the Pakatan Harapan-led administration.

On September 1, 2021, Ali was appointed as the new chairman of Johor Bahru-based property developer BCB Bhd.

He also held directorships in several companies including KPJ Healthcare Bhd, YB Ventures Bhd, G Capital Bhd, Kulim (Malaysia) Bhd and NCB Holdings Bhd.