Caring, courteous head of state

The Yang di-Pertua Negri and his consort at the opening of the Penang State Legislative Assembly meeting.

JUST about a year ago, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak was sworn in as the eighth Yang di-Pertua Negri of Penang and since then he has been a dedicated head of state.

A corporate leader and accomplished diplomat with international experience and stature, Ahmad Fuzi has shown his unwavering commitment by continuously performing his duties with dedication by working seven days a week.

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Despite his busy schedule of receiving courtesy calls and attending briefings with state and federal government leaders as well as those from NGOs, he has sailed through with a refreshing style by meeting the people of Penang.

For those keen on following his activities, Ahmad Fuzi has been regularly updating his social media pages on Facebook and Instagram titled “TYT Penang”.

Ahmad Fuzi said the state government had done a good job in its efforts to make Penang a smart and green state.

“Great things take time to build but what is most important is to build a solid foundation and I think they have done wonderfully in that aspect,” he said.

He said though it had been a busy year, he was glad to hear first hand and understand better what Penang needed to take to its next chapter of evolution.

The Yang di-Pertua Negri said he believed that the state could achieve its aim of becoming a green, family focused and smart state with efficient transport infrastructure as well as revitalised arts, digital education and economy.

As the head of state, Ahmad Fuzi has a strong interest in the welfare and well-being of Penangites.

He contributed a month’s salary to the Penang Covid-19 Fund in support of the state government’s efforts to alleviate the economic hardships of the people of Penang.

To further strengthen his endeavour towards charitable efforts, Ahmad Fuzi established the Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negri Pulau Pinang to help Penangites in distress and the underprivileged.

The fund is supported by the state government and is open for anyone to contribute towards its purpose.

Through his encouragement to support those in need, various parties have heeded his call to contribute generously to the fund. Many recipients from all over Penang have benefited from the fund.

His vast experience as secretary- general of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, World Islamic Economic Forum and chairman of leading public-listed companies in Malaysia clearly work in his favour now with his new role as the state’s governor.

With his astute sense of knowledge and experience, Ahmad Fuzi shares his globalised views and ideas with those whom he meets to stimulate problem-solving.

From launching electric cars in Penang to evaluating the manufacturing powerbases in Seberang Prai, he doesn’t skip the invitations.

His passion for travel and tours is extraordinary for even in his 70s, he still enjoys going on roller coaster rides.

As an avid cyclist and one who enjoys theme parks, Ahmad Fuzi’s advice is to always think like a global player to compete and attract customers internationally.

(From second left) Ahmad Fuzi and Khadijah giving out angpow to needy recipients at a charity event.

Whether it’s enjoying the Escape Theme Park or taking a sunset bicycle ride in Pinang Tunggal, Ahmad Fuzi believes that Penang has so much more to offer the thrill-seeking tourists.

Earlier this year, Ahmad Fuzi officiated at the Penang Week at the Malaysian Pavilion of Expo 2020 Dubai, the largest exhibition in the world.

With his familiarity and networking with the Middle Eastern region, he helped the state government to raise awareness and interest among global entrepreneurs in exploring the numerous economic prospects available in Penang.

During the trip, Penang Development Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with various parties for investment in Penang.

In the eyes of the people, a charismatic leader will always provide a path for a better tomorrow.

As a testament to his dedication and achievements, Ahmad Fuzi was bestowed the Asia Pacific Distinguished Asia Leader Lifetime Achievement Award by KSI Institute in collaboration with the Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur.

As a down-to-earth person, Ahmad Fuzi has enjoyed visiting friends, community and religious leaders of all walks of faith and has embraced their various cultures with open arms.

He is a courteous guest who is adored by those who have invited him to their homes to meet their families.

To spread the message of unity, he officiated at the Penang Harmony Corporation’s coming together event titled, Harmonico: Cycle 1 Round of the World, where he led a team of participants to cycle across the Sultan Abdul Halim Mua’dzam Shah Bridge, from Batu Maung to Batu Kawan, and contributed a total of 638km to the global cycling effort.

As a former career diplomat and in order to improve bilateral relations and tourism for the state, the Sungai Bakap-born leader has welcomed visiting diplomats and ambassadors at his office from 26 nations across the globe.

He is known as an avid reader and always finds time to read all mainstream newspapers and relevant publications as a daily routine.

Despite his hectic schedule, he keeps himself up to date with both local and global issues.

Ahmad Fuzi has always been grateful for his loving and supportive family consisting of his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, his two children, son-in-law and grandchild.

Despite being kept busy as head of state, he still finds time to sit down and listen to the updates of his family and appreciates a good meal with them and travelling abroad whenever possible.

His private secretary Mohd Rahman Ismail, who has been with the office of the Penang Governor for the past seven years, said he learned a lot from Ahmad Fuzi since his appointment last year.

“What makes him stand out is that he is always on time for every meeting, is well prepared for an engaging discussion and courteously walks all his guests to the lift after the meeting.

“The Yang di-Pertua Negri’s calendar is filled to the brim with many meetings in a day and is consistently busy with programmes seven days a week,” he said.

Ashok Rudy Ratnanesan, the director of Ahmad Fuzi’s social media, said it had been rewarding for him to serve such a magnanimous leader who has the people in his heart and thoughts.

“The very fact that he’s on social media is to keep Penangites abreast with the work and role of their governor, shows his commitment to be open and transparent with the people.

“The Yang di-Pertua Negri is very detailed and goes through most of his speeches himself after carefully researching and reviewing our work to ensure its authenticity and timely release,” he said.

E&O Penang’s guest relations officer Cheah Choon Long who serves the governor, said Ahmad Fuzi is an early riser and works late into the night daily.

“When the Yang di-Pertua Negri is back home, he is constantly reading or watching the news.

“He loves the various delicacies in Penang from a simple mee hoon dish or nasi kandar to more elaborate and well-presented wagyu steak.

“He consumes everything in moderation depending on how active he is on that day. Durians are a special treat for dessert but on the whole he doesn’t take much sugar.

“He is always dressed well for meetings and is courteous with those around him,” said Cheah.