Abdul Rahman Abbas


Abdul Rahman bin Abbas is the current Yang di-Pertua Negeri of the state of Penang, Malaysia. The post is synonymous with its English term – governor. He is a former politician from the United Malays National Organisation. Abdul Rahman was appointed to the governorship by the King in May 2001 and has since been reappointed six times, in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Early life

Tun Abdul Rahman studied at Permatang Sintok Malay School in Kepala Batas and Sultan Idris Teachers College in Tanjung Malim before attending a teaching course at the Language Institute, Kuala Lumpur. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Malaya in 1973. After graduating, Abdul Rahman became a teacher.

Political career

Abdul Rahman joined UMNO after ending his career in teaching. He was an exco member of the party's Youth wing and held the position of Kepala Batas division treasurer from 1995 to his appointment as governor.
In 1977, Abdul Rahman was elected to the Penang State Assembly in a by-election following the death of Ahmad Badawi Haji Abdullah, the father of former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. During the four terms he served, Abdul Rahman was also a member of the state executive council under Chief Minister Lim Chong Eu. In his final term, he was elected Speaker of the State Assembly.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri

Abdul Rahman was appointed Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in May 2001 for four years. In 2005, his term was extended for another four years by Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin. He was reappointed by Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in 2009 and 2011, by Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah in 2013 and 2015, and by Tuanku Muhammad V in 2017 for another four years.

Honours & titles of Abdul Rahman Abbas

He has been awarded :

Titles

He holds currently the title of "Tun Dato' Seri Utama" by combination of his highest Federal Malaysian title "Tun" and his highest Penang title "Dato' Seri Utama".
In other states of Malaysia, a similar combination between his highest Federal Malaysian title "Tun" and his local highest title may be used. Example : Tun Datuk Seri Panglima in Sabah.

Honours of Penang

Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Dato' Seri Utama Hajah Majimor binti Shariff has been awarded :

Titles

She holds currently the title of "Toh Puan Dato' Seri Utama" by combination of the female form "Toh Puan" connected to her husband's highest Federal Malaysian title "Tun" and her highest Penang title "Dato' Seri Utama"

Honours of Penang