Awang Adek Hussin

Datuk Dr. Awang Adek bin Hussin (born 18 May 1955) is the current Malaysia Ambassador to the United States.^[1]

Early life and education

Awang Adek was born in Bachok, Kelantan. Awang Adek holds degrees in mathematics and economics from Drew University of the United States and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and master's degree from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Career

He began his career as a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 1983 to 1985.

Later, he joined Bank Negara Malaysia from 1985 to 2001 with the last post as assistant governor.

He also served as Chairman Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) besides being loaned to Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority as the first Director-General for two years beginning in 1996.

Involvement in politics

Awang Adek became active in politics when he was elected as Deputy UMNO leader for Bachok in 2001.

He has also been given the mandate to hold the UMNO Kelantan Treasurer post since 2003. In 2003, he was also appointed as UMNO Sponsor Chairman for Bachok and was unopposed in the election of the division this year.

He stood for the Bachok Parliamentary seat election in 2004, and after winning the seat, he was appointed Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister until 2006 before he was appointed Deputy Finance Minister until April 2013.

While in the general election of 2008, he competed in two seats for Parliament and state assemblies but was defeated in both seat.^[2]

On April 9, 2009, he was appointed senator and was reappointed for a second term on April 9, 2012.

Cabinet positions

• Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister (2004 – 2006)
• Deputy Finance Minister (2006–2009)^[3]
• Senator (2012-2013)

Ambassador to the United States 2014-present

On 31 March 2014, he was appointed the new ambassador to the United States by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.^[4]

References