Abdul Mutalib Alias has been appointed the chief executive officer of the 1Malaysia Housing Programme (PR1MA) effective mid July this year, sources close to the government confirmed Friday.

Abdul Mutalib, 50, was the special officer to Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor.

He was also special officer to Shaziman when the latter was Minister of Energy, Water and Communications.

Prior to that, he served as political secretary to former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis and also former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin.

Abdul Mutalib also sits on the board of directors of Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd (Bank Rakyat).

Before joining the government, Abdul Mutalib had 15 years working experience in investment banking and the commercial sector where he held various positions including Vice-President for Investment Banking at The Chase Manhattan Bank from 1994 to 2000.

PR1MA, which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on July 4, is a scheme designed by the government to provide affordable quality homes for the rakyat within the Klang Valley. - Bernama