Tun Abdullah Ayub an outstanding administrator

KUALA LUMPUR,  Dec 13 (Bernama) – Tun Abdullah Ayub, who died today at the age of 92, was a man who was synonymous with excellence in the civil service.

Serving under three prime ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, and Tun Hussein Onn, Abdullah played a key role in the implementation of many of the government’s policies.

Born in Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut, Sitiawan, Perak, Abdullah was appointed Chief Secretary to the Government on Jan 1, 1979, a position he held until he retired in November, 1980.

Other important posts he held was as Director-General of Public Services, Secretary-General of the Treasury, Chairman of the Employees Provident Fund, and Chairman of the National Electricity Board.

In 1981, after he retired from the civil service, Abdullah was appointed chairman of the Public Services Tribunal for three years, and in 1998, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). 

In 2001, Abdullah was made a Senator.

According to the book “20 Administrative Personalities” by Siti Ezaleila Mustafa, among Abdullah’s contributions during his service in the government was the special pension scheme for government pensioners to help their families after their deaths.

The book also included Abdullah’s role in the declaration of the country’s independence and the installation of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Other posts he held was as president of the Malaysian Government Pensioners’ Association, director of Johor Corporation, member of the Second National Economic Consultative Council (NECII), and director of the Neurosurgical Foundation.

Abdullah started studying at the Sekolah Melayu Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut, and then went on to the Raffles College (later called Universiti Malaya) in Singapore.

For his services in the government administration and development, Abdullah was conferred the  Darjah Seri Setia Mahkota Malaysia which carries the title 'Tun' in 2011.

According to his wife, Toh Puan Anna Abdul Ranee, Abdullah  was admitted to IJN on Dec 4 for normal heart issues. However, he suffered a stroke at 5 am on Friday. He died at 1.33 am today.

-- BERNAMA