KUALA LUMPUR (May 27): Mass Rapid Transportation Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has appointed its former CEO, Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid, as its new chairman effective May 11.

In a statement today, MRT Corp said Azhar, who is also the former FGV Holdings Bhd’s chairman, has helmed the company previously for three years from 2011 and the appointment marks his return to the organisation he once steered.  

MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zariff Hashim said Azhar brings with him vast industry experience that will steer MRT Corp into the future.

“As the founding CEO of MRT Corp, Datuk Wira Azhar’s experience and knowledge will be invaluable as the organization moves forward to develop the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link Project and the exciting MRT 3 Circle Line project, while at the same time complete the MRT Putrajaya Line,” Zariff said.

In 2014, Azhar made an unprecedented move after announcing his resignation as the MRT Corp CEO following an incident at the MRT Sungai Buloh work site that claimed three lives.

After leaving MRT Corp, Azhar had held various positions including being chairman of MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, group managing director of Malakoff Corp Bhd, president/group managing director and later chairman of Tradewinds Corp Bhd.

“Besides the above positions, he was also chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association from 2001 to 2010.

“Azhar is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants,” it said.