He is one of three new appointments announced by entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister Ewon Benedick today.

The other two appointments are Ahmad Norihan Jalal as Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission chairman, and former PKR vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub as chairman of the Institut Keusahawanan Negara trust board.

Ewon, who is also the Upko president, said in a statement that the appointments of Norihan and Mustaffa are effective from March 15.

He expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders and their potential to drive excellence in advancing national entrepreneurship.

“The ministry is confident that the appointments of Norihan, Mustaffa, and Onn will continue to lead and drive excellence in advancing the national entrepreneurship and cooperative agenda,” he said.

Norihan, who has been in the military since 1987, has held various leadership positions in the army and armed forces, including what is now known as the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation.

Mustaffa holds degrees in genetic engineering and political science, while Onn, who has a background in civil engineering, has served at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall as a building inspector.