Following the retirement of Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on April 21, the deputy director-general of health, Dr Radzi Abu Hassan, has been named the next director-general.
Radzi formerly served as one of Noor Hisham's three assistants and was in charge of providing technical assistance and research.
Radzi has substantial expertise in the public hospital system, according to health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and his nomination was based on his credentials.
He was previously the head of the Hospital Sultanah Bahiyahs medical department and has led the medical coordinator and clinical research centre in Kedah.
He was formerly employed as the department's head of gastroenterology and hepatology services, and from 2013 to 2021, he has been appointed as the chairman of this field of expertise.
Dr Zaliha is convinced that with Radzi's experience, knowledge, expertise, and credibility, they are able to work together to transform the national healthcare system can be implemented holistically.
"I congratulate Radzi on his appointment", she added.