Kuala lumpur: Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, 61, the newly appointed Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, is a seasoned politician who is expected to bring his extensive corporate and financial experience to his new portfolio.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is facing significant challenges, primarily due to tariffs imposed by the United States and uncertainties in the global trading arena. Johari's experience in previously helming key ministries is anticipated to be beneficial.
Johari's prior roles include serving as the Minister of Plantations and Commodities from December 2023 until his current appointment to lead MITI by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. With 25 years of corporate experience, including qualifications as a chartered accountant and auditor, Johari is well-equipped to formulate trade agreements with other nations.
His dual perspective from the business and government sectors is particularly advantageous for MITI, which deals with various industries and companies, including SMEs, looking to access export markets and attract foreign investments.
Johari succeeds Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz at MITI, and his previous political roles include a stint as Second Finance Minister from 2016 to May 2018. He also served as acting minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability following the resignation of Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in May this year.
As a member of the Malaysia Economic Council, chaired by Anwar, Johari contributes to formulating strategies for national economic growth through investments and analyzing economic trends. Since March 2023, he has led a special task force addressing issues related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Johari's professional journey began as an auditor with Peat Marwick and Co, now part of KPMG. He is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and has held senior leadership roles, including group managing director and chairman of listed and unlisted companies on Bursa Malaysia.
His corporate tenure spans industries such as fast food, manufacturing, and agriculture, earning him a reputation as a turnaround specialist for companies like KFC Holdings and QSR Brands in the late 1990s. Johari has held posts such as group managing director of QSR Brands Bhd, managing director of KFC Holdings (M) Bhd, managing director of CI Holdings Bhd, and chairman of UDA Holdings Bhd.
On December 12, 2023, Johari stepped down as chairman of CI Holdings Bhd following his ministerial appointment. Politically, he served as the Member of Parliament for Titiwangsa from May 2013 to May 2018 and reclaimed the seat in the 2022 General Election, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Khalid Abdul Samad by a majority of 4,632 votes, among other challengers.
Johari is currently the UMNO vice-president.