Ishak becomes NexG chairman, Hanifah as CEO

2026-03-27 - 16:01

Ishak Ismail is now executive chairman while NexG founder Hanifah Noordin is group chief executive officer. KUALA LUMPUR: NexG Bhd, the company behind secure passports and MyKad, announced it is streamlining its leadership structure in view of recent developments following a redent boardroom struggle. Under the new structure, Ishak Ismail has been redesignated as executive chairman, while Abu Hanifah Noordin has been redesignated as deputy executive chairman and group chief executive officer. Ishak in a statement that his position as a substantial shareholder, through a family trust, reflects a long-term commitment. He is believed to hold a 20.4% stake through an air cargo company controlled by his sons. Hanifah is reported to hold a 9.579% stake. “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 remain 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. I“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 said NexG is currently stable following a chellenging period, with management intact and operations continuing as planned. He said “no one understands this business, its technology and operations better than Abu Hanifah”, NexG’s founder, who was described as the right person to lead the company, strengthen its capabilities and expand beyond Malaysia. 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.