GEORGE TOWN – The term of Penang’s Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas ends next month, and it remains to be seen if the Conference of Rulers will agree to an extension of his tenure, which began in 2001.
It will also depend on whether the 82-year-old agrees to continue in his role as the state’s governor.
Since his appointment to the role, Rahman has been a popular figure with both the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan state administrations due to his friendly candour.
He was appointed governor in May 2001, and has since been reappointed six times, in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.
He served as exco under the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, who was Penang’s second chief minister.
Rahman was also state assembly speaker in the 1980s.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has so far kept mum about whether Rahman will continue his tenure.
“We have to wait and see. I have written two letters to the federal government on this.”
Meanwhile, speculation is rife that former Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya may be asked to become the state’s eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
The veteran politician was exco during the administration of third chief minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, before becoming deputy health minister.
Dr Hilmi could not be reached for comment.
However, some politicians believe that Rahman may agree to continue, and Istana Negara may be inclined to allow it since the state government is lobbying for him to stay on in the post. – The Vibes, March 13, 2021
