KUALA LUMPUR – Former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tun Ramli Ngah Talib has been named the ninth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, with his term set to begin on May 1, 2025.
The appointment was formalised today during a ceremony at the Singgahsana Kecil, Istana Negara, where Ramli received the instrument of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
At the same ceremony, the 84-year-old was also conferred the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN), which carries the title of Tun.
Ramli’s appointment as Penang’s ceremonial head of state is in accordance with Article 1 of the Penang State Constitution and will span four years, ending on April 30, 2029.
He succeeds Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who has served in the role since May 1, 2021.
This confirms Scoop's report last month that Ramli was the frontrunner to replace Fuzi, who will be stepping down after serving just one term. Fuzi was expected to step down on May 1 this year, which falls on a Thursday.
Ramli, 84, is a veteran statesman with decades of experience in both federal and state politics. He served as Perak Menteri Besar from 1982 to 1999, making him the state’s longest-serving chief minister, and later as Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat from 2004 to 2008.
He also held the post of Deputy Transport Minister, and represented Pasir Salak in Parliament as well as Kampung Gajah in the Perak State Assembly.
In addition to his political career, Ramli was appointed Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya and is a published author, with works focusing on Malay history and heritage.
Should the appointment be confirmed, Ramli will replace Tun Ahmad Fuzi, 76, who has held the largely ceremonial role since May 1, 2021.
A Penang native, Ahmad Fuzi is a former secretary-general of the Foreign Ministry and served as Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) between 2004 and 2009.
News of his early departure has prompted questions, particularly due to the brevity of his term.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had earlier confirmed that the state government submitted a list of candidates to the Prime Minister’s Office in March.
However, he declined to disclose any names, maintaining that the final decision lies with the palace.
Appointments of Yang di-Pertua Negeri are made with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong based on the advice of the Prime Minister, in line with the Federal Constitution.
Fuzi’s departure would make him one of Penang’s shortest-serving governors. While the position is mostly ceremonial, it does carry the authority to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. The next state election is due in October 2028.
Historically, Penang’s governors have often been appointed from outside the state. Among them were Tun Sardon Jubir (1975–1981) and Tun Awang Hassan (1981–1989), both from Johor, as well as Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir (1989–2001), who hailed from Perak. – April 24
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