Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow extended his warmest congratulations and pledged unwavering loyalty to Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Utama Ramli Ngah Talib during the swearing-in ceremony of the latter as the ninth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang on Labour Day today.
Speaking on behalf of the Penang state government and the people of Penang, Chow extended heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, for graciously bestowing the Letter of Appointment and the Darjah Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara upon Tun Ramli. His appointment as the 9th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang was formalised in a dignified investiture ceremony at Istana Negara on April 24.
The momentous event was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Describing Tun Ramli’s appointment as a great honour for all Penangites, Chow said: “On this historic day, I, along with the Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the State Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament, leaders at various levels, and the people of Penang, reaffirm our unwavering pledge of loyalty to Your Excellency Tun’s leadership.
“Tun’s distinguished service record – including nearly 17 years as Menteri Besar of Perak (1982 to 1999) and over three years as Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (2004 to 2008) – has earned him national respect. Tun’s noble character, wisdom, and extensive experience reflect the qualities of a true statesman. I am confident that under Tun’s guidance, Penang will continue to shine, inspired by fresh ideas and renewed spirit toward a more prosperous and vibrant future.”
He highlighted that Penang remains one of Malaysia’s key economic contributors. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Penang secured RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024. Of this, 80 per cent were foreign direct investments (FDI), amounting to RM13.8 billion, while domestic direct investments (DDI) made up RM3.5 billion.
“This achievement reflects investor confidence in the stability and strength of Penang’s economy, driven by a committed workforce. In conjunction with Labour Day today, I express sincere appreciation to all workers in Penang and across Malaysia for their contribution to national development,” Chow added.
He said Penang is determined not only to keep pace with technological advancements but to lead in innovation, through industrial enhancement, infrastructure expansion, and workforce upskilling.
He also thanked the Federal Government for approving several major high-impact projects, including the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway (JSD), the Penang LRT (Mutiara Line), the Perak–Penang Raw Water Transfer Scheme, and the Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project.
Additionally, the Penang Silicon Island project represents Penang’s bold move towards becoming a competitive, high-tech, and sustainable industrial city. Chow said the Penang Hill Cable Car project, expected to be completed in December 2026, will further strengthen the state’s tourism offerings.
Tun Ramli’s appointment was made in accordance with Article 1 of the Constitution of the State of Penang for a four-year term, beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2029.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Dewan Sri Pinang.
Tun Ramli, 84, who previously served as Dewan Rakyat Speaker, succeeds Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who held the position from May 1, 2021.
At today’s swearing-in ceremony, Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long announced the appointment while Penang High Court Judge Datuk Rozana Ali Yusoff presided over the swearing-in ceremony.
Chow and his wife, Tan Lean Kee, were among the dignitaries present.
The swearing-in was followed by a 17-cannon salute as a symbolic tribute to Tun Ramli’s appointment.
Earlier, Tun Ramli arrived at Dewan Sri Pinang at about 9am, accompanied by his consort Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Datuk Datin Seri Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
The ceremony started with Tun Ramli inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Second Battalion of the Malay Regiment, comprising three officers and 103 soldiers before he entered the ceremonial hall.
During the ceremony, Tun Ramli also took the oath of office and was conferred the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), which carries the title Datuk Seri Utama.
Born on March 16, 1941, in Pasir Salak, Perak, Tun Ramli received his early education at Sekolah Melayu Pasir Salak, Saint Anthony’s School, and Anglo-Chinese School in Teluk Intan.
He later studied at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), followed by Queen’s University in the United Kingdom, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree.
He was subsequently called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London, and actively participated in student movements, serving as treasurer of the Malay Students’ Union in Belfast and as secretary and editor for the Kesatuan Melayu United Kingdom in London.
Returning to Malaysia in 1970, Tun Ramli began his career as a law lecturer at Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM now UiTM) and part-time at Universiti Malaya. In 1971, he became the first in-house legal adviser at the National Electricity Board (LLN), before co-founding the law firm Kadir, Tan & Ramli in 1977.
His political career began in 1978 when he won the state seat of Kampung Gajah and was appointed a Perak state executive councillor. He was later appointed as the eighth Menteri Besar of Perak, serving from 1982 to 1999.
In late 1999, he was elected as Member of Parliament for Pasir Salak and subsequently chaired the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). From 2004 to 2008, he served as Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.
Tun Ramli also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Laws (LLD) from the University of Sheffield, UK, and has served as Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya since 2014.
Chow also took the opportunity to thank Ahmad Fuzi for his valuable services and contributions throughout his four-year tenure as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang.
He also extended special thanks to Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor for her unwavering support and contributions, particularly in the areas of women’s welfare and community development.
Chow said Ahmad Fuzi’s leadership not only safeguarded but also nurtured and uplifted all levels of society with compassion and vision.
“One of Tun’s legacies is the establishment of the Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Penang Foundation, which continues to support the underprivileged and reflects Tun’s deep concern for the people’s welfare.
“In the area of environmental sustainability, Tun’s ‘One Million Trees in One Day’ planting campaign not only earned recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records but also created a green legacy for future generations.
“Thus, on behalf of the Penang government and the people of Penang, I offer our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Tun Ahmad Fuzi. We wish both him and Toh Puan Khadijah continued good health, peace, and happiness,” said Chow.
Below is the list of previous Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang:
Note: The title of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang was formerly called Penang Governor after Independence Day. The Governor title was used until 1975, which later changed to Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang.
1) Raja Tun Uda Al-Haj Raja Muhammad (Aug 31, 1957- Aug 30, 1967).
2) Tun Syed Sheh Syed Abdullah Shahabuddin (Aug 31, 1967 – Jan 31, 1969).
3) Tun Tan Sri Syed Sheh Al-Haj Syed Hassan Barakbah (Feb 1, 1969 – Feb 1, 1975).
4) Tun Tan Sri Datuk Seri Datuk Sardon Jubir (Feb 2, 1975- April 30, 1981).
5) Tun Datuk Dr Awang Hassan (May 1, 1981- April 30, 1989).
6) Tun Tan Sri Datuk Hamdan Sheikh Tahir (May 1, 1989 – April 30, 2001).
7) Tun Datuk Seri Utama Abdul Rahman Abbas (May 1, 2001 – April 30, 2021).
8) Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak (May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2025).
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat