PUTRAJAYA: History has been created with the first woman, Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, appointed to head the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

       Her appointment takes effect on March 21, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali in a statement on Friday (March 18).

       “This increases the involvement of women as decision makers in public service,” he said, congratulating Hakimah.

       Mohd Zuki said he hoped that her appointment would further empower Jakim as the federal-level Islamic affairs agency and be competitive globally.

       Hakimah graduated with a Honours degree from the University of Malaya in 1990 and Bachelor’s degree from the University Putra Malaysia in 2001.

       She started her career in public service as assistant director of Jakim’s Halal Hub Division in 1992.