KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — Former Deputy Finance Minister Senator Datuk Awang Adek Hussin has been appointed the Malaysian ambassador to the United States.

According to Wisma Putra, Awang Adek, 59, received his credentials from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at Istana Negara, here today.

Awang Adek holds degrees in mathematics and economics from Drew University of the United States and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and master’s degree from Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.

He began his career as a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 1983 to 1985.

Later, he joined Bank Negara Malaysia from 1985 to 2001 with the last post as assistant governor. 

He stood for the Bachok Parliamentary seat election in 2004 and after winning the seat, he was appointed Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister until 2006 before he was appointed Deputy Finance Minister until April 2013.

On April 9, 2009, he was appointed senator and was reappointed for a second term on April 9, 2012. — Bernama