MELAKA: Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam took the oath of office as the seventh Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri for a second term in a ceremony held at Balai Isitiadat, Seri Negeri, today.
The ceremony was conducted in front of Melaka High Court judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis, and state financial officer Datuk Salhah Salleh, who acted as the state secretary.
Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka High Court judge Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid and Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Datuk Seri Mohd Firuz Jaffril.
On May 28, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim conferred the letter of appointment to Ali, solidifying his position for a second four-year term starting today.
Ali, who was Melaka's ninth chief minister from 1999 to 2013, holds an Honours Degree in Social Science (Development Economics) from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arts and Science from Universiti Malaya.
His extensive political career includes serving as deputy health minister and Batu Berendam member of parliament from 1995 to 1999.
He was first appointed Melaka governor on June 4, 2020, succeeding Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
In his acceptance speech, Ali expressed his gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim for the appointment and extended his thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh for their support.
"I am deeply honoured by this appointment and grateful for the trust placed in me.
"I hope to see Melaka continue to be a peaceful state where its citizens live in harmony, uphold the constitution, and adhere to national principles," he stated.