GEORGE TOWN – Penang today had a double celebration of sorts, with its eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak sworn in on Labour Day.
The installation ceremony took place at Dewan Sri Pinang here, where the 72-year-old inspected a guard of honour led by Maj Muhammad Farhan Abdul Razak before moving into the building to take his oath.
The Sg Bakap-born Fuzi succeeds Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, 83, who leaves with the distinction of being the state’s longest-serving governor, having been in the post for two decades.
Fuzi, a career diplomat, signed his appointment papers before high court judge Tun Abdul Majid Hamzah and Penang Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar.
He was also conferred the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri, which carries the Datuk Seri title. It was presented to him by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The event was held amid strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
Fuzi’s appointment was met with well-wishes from Penang’s various communities, with his years in the foreign service seen as a huge accomplishment.
Among those who congratulated him was Penang Malay Association president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff, who said Fuzi’s experience in the diplomatic corps can help the state better position itself in an increasingly globalised world.
Yussof, who also chairs the state Consultative Goodwill Council, said Penangites of all ethnicities send their best wishes to the new governor.
Datuk Faudzi Naim Noh, chairman of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle joint business council, expressed hope that Fuzi will offer his expertise to the state, so as to boost its regional ties and economic growth.
“With a pandemic lurking in the background, we can do with a lot of goodwill with our friendly neighbours to contain the spread of the virus and bolster regional growth.”
State PKR liaison committee chairman Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said he hopes Fuzi’s appointment heralds another era of prosperity, peace and goodwill for Penang. – The Vibes, May 1, 2021
