Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has maintained a continuous presence in the Dewan Rakyat representing Bagan Datuk since 1995. His political trajectory includes serving as Minister of Defence between 2009 and 2013, followed by a tenure as Minister of Home Affairs from 2013 to 2018, before attaining the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia on two separate occasions.
Background and Corporate Experience
Born on 4 January 1953 in the Bagan Datuk District of Perak, he was the eldest of nine children. His early life included working alongside a Chinese foster father, Chen Jin Ting, to sell ice cream during his elementary school years. Following his graduation from the Universiti Malaya in 1976, he pursued a career in the private sector. His corporate history includes roles as a banker at OCBC, executive director for Scandinavian Motors Sdn Bhd, and chief executive officer of Kretam Holdings Berhad. He also served as chairman for Tekala Corporation Berhad, Seng Hup Berhad, Ramatex Berhad, and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad.
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He entered formal politics by serving as political secretary to Najib Razak from 1986 to 1995. After his first election to Parliament in 1995, he ascended through various administrative levels. Under the administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he was appointed Deputy Tourism Minister. He later served as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in 2008. By 2015, he secured his first appointment as Deputy Prime Minister, a role he held until 2018.
Leadership and Recent Appointments
In December 2022, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia for the second time, serving alongside Fadillah Yusof. This appointment coincided with his role as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development. His career has also been marked by legal proceedings, including a civil suit involving a physical altercation in 2006 that reached an out-of-court settlement, and various investigations regarding allegations of corruption.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 January 1953, Bagan Datuk, Perak
- Education: Universiti Malaya, PhD from Universiti Putra Malaysia
- First elected to Dewan Rakyat: 1995
- Minister of Defence: 2009-2013
- Minister of Home Affairs: 2013-2018
- Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia: 2015-2018 and 2022-present
- Religion: Islam
- Citizenship: Malaysia
Questions readers ask
What is Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's current government role?
As of December 2022, he serves as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Minister of Rural and Regional Development.
Which parliamentary constituency has he represented since 1995?
He has represented the Bagan Datuk constituency in the Dewan Rakyat since the 1995 general election.
