Radzi replaces Noor Hisham as health DG

Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan has been appointed as the new director-general for health, the health ministry announced today following the retirement of Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah after a decade in the position. 

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Radzi, whose appointment was effective April 21, was chosen based on his qualifications and experience, including as deputy director-general of health (research and technical support).

"He has served as head of the medical department at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Kedah, chief medical coordinator in Kedah, and head of Kedah's clinical research centre.

"He was also appointed as head of the gastroenterology and heptology service and chairman of the commissioning for this specialty from 2013 to 2021," she said in a statement. 

Noor Hisham, Radzi's predecessor, retired on April 19 after 10 years of service as health director-general. 

Noor Hisham, who was the face of Malaysia's battle against Covid-19, was previously deputy director-general from February 2008 to March 2013.

His tenure stretched across five administrations, from Najib Razak's to that of Anwar Ibrahim.