KUALA LUMPUR - Former chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan is now Petronas chairman.

A Petronas statement said Sidek's appointment, effective yesterday, was approved during the board of directors' sitting last Wednesday.

Sidek, who retired as the 12th chief secretary to the government on June 23, will take over the helm from Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas, the current president and chief executive officer.

"The appointment will restore clear demarcation of roles between the chairman's post and the president and chief executive chairman's position, which is a reflection of Petronas' commitment to upholding global standards of good governance."

Petronas had been operating without a proper separation of the roles of chairman and CEO since the sudden demise of former chairman Tan Sri Azizan Zainal Abidin in 2004.

It also announced the appointment of Juniwati Rahmat Hussin as vice-president and venture director of the Pengerang Integrated Complex to lead all proposed Petronas Developments in Pengerang, Johor.