GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has submitted a list of proposed candidates for the position of Governor to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for presentation to Istana Negara, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed today.
Chow said that it is customary for the PMO to request nominations from the state government, with the names submitted following the approval of the state executive committee.
His remarks come after a Scoop report earlier today citing sources who claimed that the current Governor, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, is set to step down on May 1 after serving only one term since his appointment on May 1, 2021.
He is reportedly set to be replaced by former Perak Menteri Besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib, with an official announcement expected after Hari Raya.
“It is well known that the state governor is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a four-year term, and this term would expire on April 30, 2025,” Chow said at a press conference.
“Should (the current governor’s service) be extended, he would have to go through the appointment process under the prerogative of the King. If (the service) is not extended, (then) a new appointment has to be made in accordance with the state constitution.
“I call upon all of us to be patient as (this matter) is under the King’s prerogative, and any announcement related to this matter will be made at the right time.”
However, Chow declined to disclose whether Ramli was among the proposed candidates or the number of nominees put forward.
“I choose not to touch upon matters that are under the King’s prerogative,” he said.
The chief minister also refused to comment on whether the candidates were Penang natives or if he had any role in selecting them.
The news of Fuzi’s short stint had not gone down well for some parties who noted that the former senior servant had helped enhance the levels of governance and always emphasised the need to protect and celebrate Penang’s multi-racial and multi-ethnic fabric.
However, others have highlighted that governorships are usually awarded as a reward for long and exemplary service, including politicians.
While the Governor’s role is largely ceremonial, it includes the power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. Penang is only due for a state election by October 2028. – March 19, 2025