GEORGE TOWN – Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas is expected to have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara next week to discuss his tenure as Penang governor.
It is understood that the Tuesday meeting is to discuss the terms of his service, which ends on April 30.
Officials privy to the matter said Rahman will not make appeals or requests for a term extension, instead leaving the decision to the discretion of the Agong and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“If there is an extension to continue (his service), Tun is ready to bear it. But if not, he will wholeheartedly accept the decision. He is also ready to give support and cooperation to his successor,” an official told The Vibes.
The Kepala Batas-born Rahman was appointed to the post in 2001, making him the longest-serving Penang governor.
He began his public service as a teacher in the 1960s.
The issue of the 83-year-old’s successor is the subject of much speculation, with the names of several political figures mentioned as candidates.
The Vibes last month reported that former deputy health minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya has emerged as the front runner to become the eighth Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
The former Balik Pulau MP has a long career in public office – from serving as state exco and deputy chief minister to holding the federal posts of deputy finance and health minister.
Last month, the Penang government led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow met the king at Istana Negara for an hour, believed to be over the matter.
According to the state constitution, the candidate for governor is appointed by the Agong at his discretion after consulting the chief minister. – The Vibes, April 4, 2021
