Pos Malaysia announces resignation of its CEO

• Al-Ishsal Ishak stepping down to take over as chairman of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
• Spearheaded key programmes to address underlying potential of Pos Malaysia to tap digital opportunities

OFFICIALLY confirming an open secret in the telco industry, and DNA’s own story on Sept POS Malaysia Bhd has issued a statement announcing the resignation of Al-Ishsal Ishak as its group chief executive officer effective 30 Sept. It cited his appointment as chairman of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) effective 1 Oct as the reason for his resignation.

Al-Ishsal joined Pos Malaysia on 2 Feb During his short tenure, he had overseen some key initiatives. The chairman of Pos Malaysia, Mohammad Zainal Shaari commented, “With expertise in digital technology, Al-Ishsal spearheaded key programmes to address the underlying potential of Pos Malaysia amidst the digital opportunities and put a clear road-map on how to address them. It is regrettable that he has to leave for this bigger calling of national duty. It is a clear loss to Pos Malaysia and a gain to MCMC.”

At the same time, the board of directors of Pos Malaysia shall find a suitable replacement for Al-Ishsal and shall make the appropriate announcement soon.

A former colleague from Al-Ishsal’s telco days feels his appointment will be good for the industry. “The MCMC has been led in the past by those who just follow orders. Al-Ishsal has the ability to try new things and be innovative.”

However the former colleague points to his biggest challenge being in manoeuvring the public sector, “especially as Al-Ishsal is a fast mover. His team may not be able follow his pace nor accept some of his bold ideas.”

That will be one of the many challenges waiting for Al-Ishsal. And for sure, interesting times are ahead for the telco sector and Malaysia's digital economy with Al-Ishsal at the helm of the MCMC. 

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