KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 19): Former Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim (pictured) is among three newly appointed board members in Petronas, according to Malaysia’s national oil company today.

In a statement today, Petronas said the other new board members are Datuk Ibrahim Baki and Datuk Razali Mohd Yusof, and the appointments took effect from Monday (Aug 17, 2020).

"Zaharah was previously the Chief Judge of Malaya, and had, until recently, held the position of chairperson of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd until May 2020. Zaharah graduated from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LL.B.) and has had over 40 years of experience in legal practice and in the judiciary. 

"She has held various posts including serving as the State Legal Advisor of Selangor, and Parliamentary Draftsman at the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia, prior to her appointment as a Judicial Commissioner in 2004. Tan Sri Zaharah was confirmed as a High Court Judge in July 2006, and thereafter, was elevated as Court of Appeal Judge in April 2010, Federal Court Judge in February 2015, and appointed as Chief Judge of Malaya in July 2018,” Petronas said.

Meanwhile, Petronas said Ibrahim is a well-respected corporate figure and a notable legal professional with over 30 years of experience in both the corporate sector and government-linked companies. 

Petronas said Ibrahim read law in the United Kingdom, where he graduated with a LL.B (Hons) and was admitted as a Barrister-At-Law from Lincoln’s Inn. 

"Ibrahim began his career in 1984, as a legal officer of Petronas in Kuala Lumpur. In 1985, he became the founding partner in Messrs Idris Buang, Ibrahim Baki & Co, Advocates & Solicitors, Sarawak. Since 1991, Ibrahim has been involved in several businesses stemming from property development, shipping, logistics, media and management services,” Petronas said.

On Razali, Petronas said he is an accomplished business professional with over 30 years of experience in the mining and oil and gas industry. His experience ranges from developing businesses, managing complex engineering projects and providing advisory and consultancy services to various organisations, according to Petronas.

"Razali graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Mining Engineering) and holds a MSc in Engineering Management, both from the University of Missouri. He began his career as a project engineer and thereafter has held various key positions in a number of private and multinational companies in Malaysia. Razali currently sits as a director on the boards of several companies,” Petronas said.

Petronas said it is confident that its new board members' knowledge and experience will be a valuable addition to the company.