Nazarbayev appointed Massimov head of Presidential Administration

Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev has appointed MP Karim Massimov head of the Presidential Administration, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the President’s press-service. “Karim Massimov shall be appointed head of Kazakhstan President’s Administration,” the President’s decree states. Last week Kazakhstan President relieved Aslan Mussin from his position of head of Administration by appointing him head of the Accounts Commission. Omarkhan Oksikbayev, who used to head the Accounts Commission, and former head of the department of Kazakhstan Presidential Affairs Serik Umbetov received Majilis (lower chamber of the Parliament) mandates from Nur Otan party. According to AFP newswire's government source, Massimov's place will be taken by First Deputy Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov who is a close ally of Nazarbayev. Speaking of the reshuffling on Saturday September 22 Nazarbayev's Adviser Yermukhamed Yertysbayev was quoted by Tengrinews.kz as saying: "In 5.5 years of work he (Karim Massimov) has proved to be one of the most efficient managers in the country. He successfully performed economic management. There are currently several important issues in terms of political management: that’s what the Presidential Administration does.” Karim Massimov served as Kazakhstan Prime-Minister since January 10, 2007. In 2001-2003 he used to work as deputy head of Kazakhstan’s government, then as President’s Assistant. In 2006 he worked as deputy Prime-Minister of Kazakhstan. Massimov is also president of Kazakhstan’s Muay Thai Federation.