KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — Datuk Khair Mohamad Yusof was appointed as the director-general of education to replace Tan Sri Abdul Ghafar Mahmud whose contract expired on December 7.

Prior to the appointment effective December 8, Khair was deputy director-general of education (professional teaching development sector), Ministry of Education.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa said the appointment was based on Khair’s leadership qualities, qualifications, experience and competence in educational management and development.

“I believe these characteristics will allow Khair to lead and perform the duties of the director-general of education with efficient, transparent and effective to achieve educational goals,” said the statement.

On behalf of the government, Ali Hamsa thanked Abd Ghafar for his contributions and dedicated service during his tenure as the director-general of education.

Khair, 57, holds a PhD in Technical Education from the University of Manchester (UK), Master’s in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Bolton Institute of Technology (USA).

A civil servant for over 30 years, Khair began his public service career when appointed as Graduate Education Service officer on August 1, 1982.

Other posts held include deputy director-general of education (policy and education development sector), director of the teacher education division, director of Aminuddin Baki Institute and director of Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah.

Meanwhile, National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng said the union members support Khair’s appointment.

The NUTP believed that Khair’s leadership and expertise would take the national education system to a higher level, she said in a statement.

“Khair is a patient leader who listens to problems faced by teachers. We hope the E-system, School Based Assessment and the Malaysian Education Development Plan are his priority.” — Bernama