Maliki worked as an
assistant professor in NUS's Department of Social Work and Psychology from 1998 to 2004.
Political career Maliki was first elected to
Parliament at the
2001 general election. In 2004, Maliki was appointed
Parliamentary Secretary for
Health (2004–2005) and
Community Development, Youth and Sports (2004–2006). He was subsequently appointed Parliamentary Secretary for
National Development (2005–2010). In 2010, Maliki was promoted from Parliamentary Secretary to Senior Parliamentary Secretary for
National Development. As part of his National Development portfolio, Maliki chaired the main Workgroup for the
Geylang Serai redevelopment project, which included a Civic Centre Subgroup that oversaw the concept, design and facilities for the new civic centre - Wisma Geylang Serai. Following the
2011 general election, in addition to his portfolio at the Ministry of National Development, he also became Senior Parliamentary Secretary for
Defence and Mayor of the
South East District. In February 2013, Maliki launched a commemorative publication titled "The Making of Wisma Geylang Serai", and a design competition for the new civic centre. Maliki was tasked with chairing the workgroup on "Recognition and Benefits for NS" as part of the Committee on Strengthening National Service at the Ministry of Defence. On 1 September 2013, after a
Cabinet reshuffle, Maliki was promoted from Senior Parliamentary Secretary to
Minister of State for Defence and National Development. Following the
2015 general election, Maliki was promoted to Senior Minister of State for Defence and
Foreign Affairs on 1 October 2015, relinquishing his previous post at the Ministry of National Development. After the
2020 Singapore general election, Maliki was promoted to Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs. On 21 April 2025, Maliki announced that he will retire from politics and will not seek re-election in the upcoming
2025 Singapore general election, citing to make way for
Hazlina Abdul Halim as a new candidate for East Coast GRC. == Personal life ==