Amman, Nov 24, SPA -- Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Alhussein appointed his national security chief as prime minister on Thursday, underscoring the king's desire to give security forces a bigger role in decision making, a senior official told Reuters. The official said the monarch asked Ma'arouf Al-Bakheet, 58, to form a new government to address security concerns after triple suicide bombings killed 60 people. Former Prime Minister Adnan Badran, 69, a U.S.-educated academic appointed last April, and his government resigned after he was criticised for pushing a pro-Western reform agenda while ignoring tribal sensitivities, Reuters said. Although the changes had long been expected, security concerns have become a priority after the Nov. 9 bombings at three luxury hotels. Bakheet's appointment also signals the monarch wants to give more influence to old-guard military figures with a reputation for integrity and untainted by corruption, senior officials were quoted by Reuters. Bakheet is expected to form his government in the next few days. --SP 2144 Local Time 1844 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/305206