PUTRAJAYA, May 4, 2026 – The Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar, today announced the appointment of Dato’ Sri Suriani binti Dato’ Ahmad as the new Secretary-General (Ketua Setiausaha) of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (Kementerian Kemajuan Desa dan Wilayah – KKDW), effective today, 4 May 2026.
In a media statement, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri extended the highest congratulations to Dato’ Sri Suriani on her appointment.
“Dato’ Sri Suriani, aged 58, holds a Bachelor of Communication (Honours) from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Bachelor of Literature in Strategy and Diplomacy from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,” the statement read.
She brings with her vast experience in government administration, public service, and international relations. Prior to this appointment, Dato’ Sri Suriani had served in senior leadership roles, including as Secretary-General in several ministries: the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development; the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia; the Ministry of Rural Development; the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives; and the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
Tan Sri Shamsul Azri expressed full confidence in the new Secretary-General’s capabilities.
“I am confident that with the competencies and experience she possesses, she will be able to drive KKDW’s excellence in economic development and enhance the well-being of rural communities, especially outside the main urban centres, in line with the Agenda Reformasi Perkhidmatan Awam under the Madani Malaysia aspirations,” he said.
The appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen KKDW’s role in advancing rural and regional development under the current administration.
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