Tun Ramli Pledges To Engage Directly With The People Of Penang, Not Just As A State Symbol

By R.Ratcharathan

(BERNAMA will be releasing a series of exclusive interview reports with Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. This report is the first in the series.)

GEORGE TOWN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Governor of Penang, His Excellency Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has pledged his commitment to engaging directly with the people, in line with his role as a symbol of unity and a bridge between leaders and communities.

Although no longer active in frontline politics, Tun Ramli believes effective leadership continues to depend on a leader’s ability to understand the realities of people’s lives and to truly listen to their concerns.

Armed with 17 years of experience as Perak Menteri Besar from 1982 to 1999, Tun Ramli said he hopes to bring a people-first approach to his role as the ninth Governor of Penang, following his official swearing-in on May 1.

“As Governor, I, too, must go down to the ground and meet the people as much as I can. If we are not familiar with or close to them, they won’t open up, they’ll keep things to themselves. That’s not healthy and shouldn’t happen.

“In my view, it’s important to understand the people’s ‘tastes’, not just in terms of food but in terms of customs and practices. If I am here in Penang, I must understand their feelings. That’s how, little by little, I become one with the people of Penang,” he shared in a recent exclusive interview with Bernama, conducted by editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Penang Bureau chief R. Ratcharathan at Seri Mutiara here.

Drawing from his extensive experience in public administration, Tun Ramli emphasised that all leaders must embrace the principle of ‘going to the ground’ to better grasp the needs and challenges faced by the people at the grassroots, and to help address them within their capacity.

While the Governor's roles and responsibilities are outlined in the Penang State Constitution, Tun Ramli believes that the Governor’s Office should also function as an informed part of government.

“When the state assembly is in session, the Governor is essentially working too. When the state executive council convenes, the Governor is also involved in principle. The Governor has the right to know what is happening and to advise on issues that should be addressed,” he said.

Tun Ramli stressed that he does not wish to be a mere figurehead, but a unifying voice and a conduit between the people and their leaders.

Reflecting on his appointment, the Governor revealed that his name had been mentioned before, including four years ago, but no official approach was made at the time. While he was aware of recent speculation, he kept his expectations modest until the formal appointment.

On April 24, Tun Ramli received his letter of appointment from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at a ceremony at Istana Negara, making him Penang’s ninth Governor effective May 1, 2025.

He succeeded Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who had served since May 1, 2021.

Tun Ramli is the fourth individual appointed as Penang Governor who is not originally from the state.

He was elected as the state assemblyman for Kampung Gajah in 1978 and made it to the Perak state executive council before becoming Perak's eighth Menteri Besar.

He served for over 17 years until 1999, making him one of the longest-serving Menteri Besar in the country.

Later, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Pasir Salak and went on to chair the Public Accounts Committee. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.

-- BERNAMA