KUALA LUMPUR: NexG Bhd on Friday announced that it is streamlining its leadership structure in view of recent developments.
Under the new structure, Datuk Ishak Ismail has been redesignated as Executive Chairman, while Datuk Abu Hanifah Noordin has been redesignated as Deputy Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer.
In a statement, Ishak said his position as a substantial shareholder, held through a long-term family trust, is guided by a clear purpose – to safeguard and support NexG as a company operating in critical national identity systems.
“Our involvement reflects a responsibility to ensure that a company operating in highly sensitive and strategic areas, including national identification systems such as MyKad, passport infrastructure, biometric technologies, and broader data and technology platforms, remains stable, well-governed and protected.
“Given the national security implications of these systems, particularly in secure identity documents such as MyKad and passports, it is critical that NexG remains in the right hands and is safeguarded from undue influence, foreign interference or short-term interests that may compromise it,” he said.
Ishak added that his investment reflects a long-term commitment to a Bumiputera-led technology company in which its role is part of a tightly controlled national ecosystem, where identity documents are not produced independently but within government-controlled processes.
“NexG provides the secure systems and technology, while personalisation and issuance remain fully within government control. This structure ensures the integrity and security of the system,” he said.
He noted that NexG is currently stable following a chellenging period, with management intact and operations continuing as planned.
Ishak emphasised that NexG’s foundation and success are built on its founder, Abu Hanifah.
“No one understands this business, its technology and operations, better than Abu Hanifah. He remains the right person to lead the company, strengthen its capabilities, and expand beyond Malaysia,” Ishak said.
The leadership changes follow a recent boardroom tussle involving competing shareholder groups seeking control of the company, which ended after several directors resigned.
The developments had raised governance concerns, including issues related to board appointments and potential conflicts of interest, before the current leadership structure was put in place. – BERNAMA
