Latest news with #RamliNgahTalib
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
From kampung boy to governor – a journey of grit and fate
For Ramli Ngah Talib, life revolves around service to the nation and leaving a legacy. GEORGE TOWN : For newly appointed Penang governor Ramli Ngah Talib, life has always been about being in the right place at the right time. 'I didn't expect it. I had aspired to reach the post at some point, but when it came, it was still a big surprise,' said the 84-year-old as he reflected on his life's journey. Born in 1941, just before the start of the Japanese Occupation, and raised in Teluk Intan, Perak, Ramli's early years were marked by hardship. He and his family lived hand to mouth, making do with whatever they had daily. 'There was no encouragement, nothing that helped you grow intellectually or mentally. But that hardship became a foundation. It toughened me. It taught me that survival comes from discipline and hard work,' he said in an interview with FMT. Ramli credits his success today to his late mother, Baidah Abdul Mutalib, who insisted that he and his four siblings study hard. 'My mother was one of the few women who could read and write then. She could have been a teacher, but she gave it up for the family,' he said. Ramli enrolled in a Malay school where he studied up to Year Five before completing his primary education at St Anthony's School in Teluk Intan. He then went to the Anglo-Chinese School where started learning English. Despite the odds he passed the Lower Certificate of Education and Malayan Certificate of Education, which led to him being accepted into the Malay College Kuala Kangsar for Sixth Form. Ramli won a scholarship to read law at Queen's University Belfast and was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn. On his return to Malaysia, he worked briefly as a Science and English teacher at a school in Sabak Bernam, Selangor, and then a law lecturer at Institut Teknologi Mara, before becoming the National Electricity Board's (the precursor of Tenaga Nasional Bhd) first in-house legal counsel. Then began his rapid rise in politics. From state leadership to national platform In just three years, Ramli rose from deputy chief of an Umno branch to assemblyman for Kampung Gajah and then to Perak menteri besar. 'It all just fell into place,' he recalled. Ramli assumed the role of menteri besar in 1983 upon the death of his predecessor Wan Mohamed Wan Teh. He went on to serve in the same position for 17 years, making him the longest serving menteri besar in Perak. 'I didn't ask for it but I was already a state executive councillor and next in line when the post fell vacant. I suppose you can say it was fate, or kismet. I happened to be in the right place at the right time,' he said. In the 1999 election, he won the Pasir Salak parliamentary seat, which he served for two terms. After a term as deputy transport minister, Ramli was appointed Dewan Rakyat speaker in 2004, a position he held until 2008. Recalling his time managing proceedings in Parliament, Ramli prides himself as a speaker who allowed space for debate, even when things got heated. 'I never once expelled anyone. They had a job to do, which was to speak for their constituents. If things got too heated, I would just suspend the sitting for 15 or 30 minutes. That was enough,' he said. After leaving the political arena, Ramli kept himself busy by scaling mountains in various countries, including Malaysia's revered Gunung Tahan, in between looking after his seven grandchildren. He also reached out to troubled government-linked companies to offer help pro bono but never heard from them. 'I didn't expect to get a (government) post again. But I kept active and wrote a few books. I said, if no one appoints me to any government posts, I'll just write and climb,' he said. Reconciling history with duty Ramli, known for his writings on anti-colonial movements in Perak, also reflected on the irony of his new position being rooted in colonial practices. However, he has reconciled this by turning to Penang's unique and inclusive past. 'The British were smart enough to let people come and build Penang together with them. Penang became a port with opportunities, and people swarmed in. They let everyone take part. They didn't feel the pinch like we did in Perak. 'In Perak, the British just came in, imposed taxes, when before, it was the 'orang besar' (nobles) who collected them. Definitely there was conflict,' he said. Ramli said his appointment was consistent with Penang's unique character, adding that the island was built as a city that was 'always open' and 'should remain open'. With his deep love for writing, especially on Malay history and civilisation, Ramli has authored several books covering empires like Srivijaya and Melaka. He acknowledged these were 'pro-Malay writings' but maintained that they were based on historical facts. He believes writing leaves a lasting legacy. 'If I had taken more jobs, I'd have earned more and lived better. But books last longer. They're for posterity.' Although he never expected to become governor, Ramli sees the role as part of a lifelong journey of service and meaning. Now, in Penang, he wants to reconnect people with the country's institutions, worrying that many young Malaysians no longer understand the constitutional structure. 'Youngsters don't know the role of the governor, or even the branches of government. It's not their fault, it's because they're not taught. We need to start in schools, have talks, essay competitions, and make the constitution interesting,' he added.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Prisons Day celebration recognises department and its role in reshaping society, says Home Minister
GEORGE TOWN: The 235th Prisons Day celebration kicked off at the Esplanade, in Jalan Padang Kota Lama here, on Saturday (May 17). Various performances, including police combat reenactments and drama skits were performed before hundreds who were present at the event that was held from 8am to 11.30am. Among the performances was a showcase of the evolution of prisons in Malaysia. The event was graced by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. In his speech, Saifuddin said the Prisons Department is prepared to train 10,000 inmates this year to enter critical industries thereby reducing dependence on foreign workers in certain sectors. Awards and medals were also presented to high-performing personnel, including the Pingat Johan Bakti Setia that was presented by Tun Ramli to Saifuddin.
Malay Mail
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri calls for inclusive welfare, urges review of state policies
GEORGE TOWN, May 16 — The newly sworn-in Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the state's social welfare aid programme, i-Sejahtera, to be continued in a more inclusive and targeted manner. In his speech officiating the first session of the state legislative assembly today, he said priority should be given to those who genuinely need it. Meanwhile, he suggested introducing sustainable alternatives such as skills training opportunities and microfinancing aid. 'This method will relieve the state's financial burden while creating more opportunities for the people to be independent and raise their socioeconomic status,' he said. Ramli also commended the state government's efforts in caring for the well-being of its people. He noted that last year, the state allocated RM50.54 million to i-Sejahtera, benefiting 280,633 recipients in Penang. 'The sum does not only reflect the scale of the programme's implementation but also proves the state government's commitment to helping the people regardless of age, status, or background,' he said. To ensure the welfare and social development agenda remains relevant and effective, Ramli said the foundation of state planning must be reviewed regularly. He pointed out that a review of the Penang Structure Plan 2040 is currently underway. 'This review will not only re-evaluate the policies under the Penang Structure Plan 2030 but also strengthen them to remain aligned with the aspirations of Penang2030,' he said. He stressed the importance of ensuring the state's development is sustainable, responsive, and inclusive, in line with demographic changes and current developments. Ramli added that he intends to engage with the people directly by going to the ground to listen to their grievances and sentiments, ensuring policies meet the public's needs. 'This approach by every leader will enable policies to be shaped based on what is happening on the ground and the challenges faced by the people,' he said. He also urged state assemblymen to prioritise the interests of the state and its people above all political considerations. 'This is to safeguard the integrity of Penang from any elements that could threaten our progress and well-being,' he said. Ramli reminded civil servants of their duty to implement policies and strengthen the delivery system with integrity, efficiency, and responsibility.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ramli sworn in as the ninth governor of Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Tun Ramli Ngah Talib took his oath of office as the ninth Yang di-Pertua Negri Pulau Pinang during the swearing-in ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang here. Ramli, 84, succeeded Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who had served as the eighth Penang governor since 2021. The new governor took his oath yesterday, witnessed by Penang High Court judge Datuk Rozana Ali Yusoff and State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long. Ramli arrived at Dewan Sri Pinang at 8.30am yesterday, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. He then inspected the guard of honour mounted by the Second Battalion of the Malay Regiment, comprising three officers and 103 soldiers led by Mejar Mohd Salleh Jamal, before entering the ceremonial hall to take his oath of office and to sign the official document, accompanied by a 17-gun salute. Ramli was also conferred the state award Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), which carries the title of Datuk Seri Utama, presented by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Also present at the swearing-in ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo and other dignitaries. In his congratulations and loyalty speech, Chow described Ramli's appointment as a great honour for Penangites. 'He has an outstanding record of service, including having led the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan as Mentri Besar for nearly 17 years and contributing his dedicated service at the federal level as the Dewan Rakyat Speaker for more than three years,' he said. Royal appointment: Ramli and his wife Raja Noora Ashikin at the swearing-in ceremony in Penang. — Bernama Chow said Ramli's character and leadership reflect the stature of a true statesman and a distinguished and respected figure in the annals of the nation's governance. He said he is confident that under Ramli's leadership, Penang will continue to shine and be guided by new inspiration and spirit towards a more glorious, prosperous and harmonious future. Ramli received his letter of appointment from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, in a ceremony at Istana Negara on April 24. At the ceremony, he was also conferred the award of Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN), which carries the title of Tun. Ramli will serve as the Penang Governor for a term of four years, until April 30, 2029. Born on March 16, 1941, in Pasir Salak, Perak, he was also the Deputy Transport Minister from 2000 to 2004.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Wife of Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri conferred DUPN award
GEORGE TOWN: Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, wife of Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, was conferred the state award Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN) in conjunction with his 84th birthday celebration today. The DUPN, the state's highest award, carries the title Datuk Seri Utama. The investiture ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife, Tan Lean Kee. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and his wife, state assembly speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang and his wife, Penang mufti Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Sukki Othman and the state leadership. Born on Feb 4, 1948, and raised in Ipoh, Perak, Raja Noora Ashikin married Ramli in 1973. The couple is blessed with four children and seven grandchildren. Introduced in 1967, the DUPN is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptionally distinguished service to the state of Penang.
