KUALA LUMPUR — Penang is expected to have a new governor this year.
In what is being regarded as a surprising decision from Istana Negara, current governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak will be stepping down on May 1 – after only serving one term, having been appointed on May 1, 2021.
What is raising eyebrows is that his replacement is said to be former Perak Menteri Besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib.
Born in Pasir Salak, Ramli, 84, had served as Mentri Besar from 1982-1999, making him the longest-serving Menteri Besar.
He was also the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat from 2004 to 2008.
Prior to that the former Pasir Salak MP and Kampung Gajah assemblyman also served as deputy transport minister from 2000 to 2004.
Penang-born Fuzi, 76, meanwhile is the former secretary general of the Foreign Ministry and is the second diplomat after Tun Awang Hussin (1981-1989) to serve as governor.
While the Governor’s role is largely ceremonial, he does have the power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. Penang is only due for a State election by October of 2028.
The news of Fuzi’s short stint is not going down well for some parties.
“He is a good Governor who helped enhance the levels of governance and always emphasised the need to protect and celebrate Penang’s multi-racial and multi-ethnic melting pot,” said a senior politician.
“Now that a new governor who is a politician is replacing Tun Fuzi, one wonders what the justification could be,” he added.
“Out of respect for him, Tun Fuzi should be allowed to serve another term,” said another senior figure.
“It does make one wonder what the Federal plans for Penang are.”
However, another source said one should not read too much into it as governorships are usually awarded as a reward for long and exemplary service, including politicians.
Former Malacca Chief Minister Tun Ali Rastam is now the state’s Yang Di-Pertua Negeri, succeeding former Pahang Menteri Besar and Information Minister Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
Sarawak’s Yang Di-Pertuan Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Wan Jaafar had also held several ministerial posts before his appointment as Dewan Negara Speaker.
“It is just a natural process. Governors come and go,” he said.
An announcement on the appointment is expected to be made after Hari Raya. — March 19, 2025