Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow speaking to the press during a press conference at KOMTAR. ( March 19, 2025 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Names of potential candidates for the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri post have been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for further submission to Istana Negara, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Penang Chief Minister, who confirmed the submission, however said the appointment would be at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The position, which has a four-year term, is currently held by Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, whose tenure is set to end on April 30.
"If the term is not extended, a new appointment must be made in accordance with the state constitution.
"Ultimately, the appointment of the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri lies with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," Chow said during a press conference in Komtar on Wednesday (March 19).
He however declined to divulge further information of the proposed name nor if the incumbent’s term would be extended.
It has been speculated that 76-year-old Tun Ahmad Fuzi, who was appointed on May 1, 2021, as Penang's eighth governor, will be stepping down on May 1 after serving only one term.
His replacement is said to be 84-year-old former Perak Menteri Besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib, who has served as the longest-serving Mentri Besar from 1982-1999.
Before being appointed Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat from 2004 to 2008, Ramli was the Deputy Transport Minister from 2000 to 2004 and had previously represented Pasir Salak as an MP while also holding the position of Kampung Gajah assemblyman.
