The plantation division of Sime Darby Berhad performed well between 2006 and 2010 under Azhar's leadership. The division's operating profit increased by 23 per cent to RM2.1 billion in financial year 2009/2010.

See more here about Azhar's appointment as reported by The Star, The Sun and Bernama: 

1) A good chance to get the MRT right

Raison D'etre - Risen Jayaseelan

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/30/business/939619...

2) Govt confident MRT Co able to carry out project successfully

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/130125

3) Azhar is MRT Co's CEO

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=610979