KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have conveyed their condolences to the family of Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

       Ali, who was a former Chief Secretary to the Government, died yesterday at a hospital in Dublin, Ireland.

       He served in the role for six years from 2012 and was also the chairman of the 1Malaysia Housing Programme, member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration and chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.

       Ali, who had served in various ministries and government departments, started his service in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 1981.

       He is survived by his wife Puan Sri Rohani Abdullah and four children.

       In a post on the Istana Negara Facebook account, Their Majesties conveyed their condolences and appreciation for his service, deeds and sacrifices for the public service and the country.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also expressed his condolences to Ali’s family.

       He described Ali, who served as the 13th chief secretary to the government, as a highly respected person in the civil service.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also extended his condolences to Ali’s family.

       “His passing is a great loss to the nation. He had contributed a lot through his services to the many ministries after he joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Services in 1981,” he said.

       Rohani said that her husband’s remains would be flown back to the country for burial in Putrajaya.

       The family said details on the arrangement for prayers and burial would be announced in due time.