IN a historic address during the opening of the Penang State Legislative Assembly Sitting today, the newly appointed ninth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Utama Ramli Ngah Talib, expressed profound gratitude and a strong commitment to serving the people of Penang with integrity and vision.
Tun Ramli opened his remarks by thanking God for the opportunity to be present in a ceremony he described as a blessing and significant.
He also extended his deepest appreciation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for appointing him to the state’s highest ceremonial post, effective May 1, 2025.
“This appointment is not merely an honour but a solemn oath to serve the state and its people faithfully.
“With God’s will, I shall carry this responsibility with dedication, upholding the Federal Constitution and the State Constitution,” he said in his speech at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
Later, Tun Ramli called on the assembly to reflect on the legacy of the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, whose contributions to nation-building were lauded.
He commended the state government’s decision to rename Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his honour, noting that it symbolises the state’s deep respect and enduring gratitude.
Tun Ramli also expressed appreciation to his predecessor, Tun Datuk Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the state.
Separately, he also commended Penang on its economic performance, particularly in 2023, where the state’s economy grew by 3.3% with a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM116 billion.
The services and manufacturing sectors accounted for 48% and 46.5% respectively, underlining the state’s resilience and strategic strength in high-impact industries.
In 2024, Penang recorded a trade volume of RM788.1 billion, translating into an increase of 11.6% from the previous year, reaffirming its status as one of six states contributing to 73% of the nation’s GDP.
The state also achieved the highest GDP per capita at RM72,586.
Tun Ramli stated that Penang’s continued success and consistent achievements were highly contributed by principled leadership led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He lauded the Penang2030 vision as a strategic roadmap for the state’s future and pledged his full support for its realisation.
“No single individual can climb a mountain alone. It is only with shared determination and unity that we can soar higher on the global stage,” he said.
He welcomed initiatives such as the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ and various projects like the Penang IC Design and Digital Park, which aim to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem and attract global investment.
“The development of skilled talent, through platforms like the Penang GBS Industry Academy and STEM Talent Blueprint, was highlighted as vital to sustaining economic growth.
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri also commended the state’s commitment to strengthening Islamic institutions, with two new mosques completed and several more under construction.
He also highlighted the KITAB Smart City Campus project in Batu Kawan, which will integrate Islamic education with residential and commercial facilities on Wakaf land.
The Federal Government was also praised for its continued support of several key and major infrastructure projects, namely the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway, Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line, the Perak-Penang Water Scheme, and the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA).
He also noted the Penang Silicon Island project as a key driver of economic growth, whereby nearly 150 acres of land have been reclaimed as of April 25, standing at a 6.5% completion rate.
With the growing water demand, Tun Ramli acknowledged the RM1.185 billion investment announced by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to embark on its Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030).
He also emphasised the importance of the Perak-Penang Water Scheme Project, which would benefit the northern region until 2050.
Tun Ramli was also full of praise for the state’s inclusive housing policy under the ‘Rumah MutiaraKu’ initiative, which has achieved 76% of its 2030 target of 220,000 housing units.
In another matter, throughout 2024, the Penang government has successfully disbursed RM50.54 million to 280,000 eligible individuals through various welfare programmes, which impressed Tun Ramli.
He encouraged a more targeted and empowering approach, including skills training and micro-aid.
Meanwhile, he also expressed commitment to personally engaging with citizens to ensure policies under the Penang Structure Plan 2040, which is currently being reviewed, to reflect their needs.
In closing, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri called on all assemblymen to prioritise the people over politics and safeguard Penang’s harmony, prosperity, and unique heritage.
“To the civil service, this land is not merely a place where we stand but a legacy we must uphold, a trust we must bear, and a hope we must ignite,” he said.
Also present earlier were Penang State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, and other state executive councillors and state assemblymen.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Law Suun Ting