[1] The post "Director General Of Public Service" in Malaysia dates back to 1934, the title used by the Head of Administrative Service was Malayan Establishment Officer, the inaugural holder was Sir John Huggins.

Gracie held the position in 1954, the title was changed to Federation Establishment Officer.

Turner replaced Gracie in 1957 until Tan Sri Ahmad Husin assumed the position of Head of Public Sector Service in 1960, the title used was Principal Establishment Officer (P.E.O).

When Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Shamsuddin helmed the leadership, the title was changed to Pengarah Perjawatan Malaysia in 1968 at the same year the name Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) was first used on 15 August 1968.

Later, it was changed to the title of Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam (KPPA) as used in Service Circular No.