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KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government has nominated Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim as the new secretary-general of the Commonwealth.

According to a statement from Wisma Putra issued here today, the nomination was made based on Rais' vast experience and involvement in the international arena.

Rais, who also had wide experience in the legal field including international law was appointed Foreign Minister in 1986.

He obtained his LL.B (Hons) degree in law from Singapore University in 1973 and his Ph.D in civil law, constitutional law and human rights from London University in 1994.

He was also an advocate and solicitor in Singapore in 1999.

He is married to Datin Seri Masnah Mohamed since 1974 they have three sons and a daughter.

The statement said the election of the new Commonwealth secretary-general will be held at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala, Uganda from Nov 23-25.

The current Commonwealth secretary-general Don McKinnon will end his term on March 31, 2008. There is a general understanding that the next secretary-general should come from Asia.

The statement said Malaysia had been one of its most active and committed members, especially in fighting for and protecting the interest of developing countries, since it joined the Commonwealth in 1957.

"Malaysia regards the Commonwealth as an international organisation that could bring betterment to the member states and contribute to world peace and stability.

"Besides that, the Commonwealth principles and values like democracy, sound administration and multi-laterism are in line with those held by Malaysia," it said.

Malaysia once hosted CHOGM in 1989, the Commonwealth Games in in 1998 and is a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG).

"Rais' qualifications and experience would enable him to serve the Commonwealth well and to fulfil the aspirations of the member nations," the statement said.

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