Full List of Perak Menteri Besar from 1948 to Present
The position of Menteri Besar of Perak plays a crucial role in administering and driving the development of this state, which is rich in history and culture. Since 1948, the state of Perak has been led by various influential figures from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to the state's economic, social, and political progress.
Each leader has their own story and challenges in steering the state's administration, from the pre-independence era to the modern day. This complete list of Perak Menteri Besar not only provides an overview of leadership continuity but also reflects the changing political landscape of the country over the decades.
Background on the Appointment of the Menteri Besar
According to the Perak State Constitution, the Menteri Besar must be a Malay Muslim and chosen from among the State Legislative Assembly members who hold the confidence of the majority. The selection usually receives the consent of the Sultan of Perak.
This article chronologically lists the individuals who have held the position of Menteri Besar of Perak along with their brief backgrounds, so that the current generation can recognize the past leaders who contributed significantly to shaping the face of Perak today.
1. Datuk Panglima Bukit Gantang Haji Abdul Wahab (1948–1957)
Datuk Panglima Bukit Gantang Haji Abdul Wahab bin Toh Muda Abdul Aziz was a key figure in the history of Perak's modern administration. He was appointed as the first Menteri Besar after the end of direct British rule and became the state's primary leader during the early phase of forming self-governance. His term began on February 1, 1948, and lasted until August 1, 1957, nearly a decade before the country's independence.
He hailed from the Malay nobility of Perak and held the traditional title of "Orang Kaya-kaya Dato’ Panglima Bukit Gantang," one of the highly influential Four Chiefs of Perak. With a strong background in local customs and administration, he successfully balanced the demands of the British colonial government with the local people's aspirations for self-governance.
One of his most significant achievements was his ability to bring the voice of Perak to the Federal level while the country was still in a political transition phase. He is also known as the first Malay from Perak to successfully pursue studies in England, which at the time was a major achievement and a symbol of local excellence in higher education.
His leadership during this challenging era laid the foundation for a more structured and authoritative state government administration. The legacy he left behind serves as an example for subsequent leaders in managing the state wisely, based on traditional values and modern progress.
2. Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Jawi (1957–1960, 1974–1977)
Tan Sri Haji Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Jawi was an important political figure in the history of Perak and served as the Menteri Besar of Perak twice during different periods. He was first appointed as Menteri Besar on August 7, 1957, making him the first state leader elected by the people after the state elections, succeeding Datuk Panglima Bukit Gantang.
He came from a group of UMNO leaders actively involved in state administration and also served in the federal government after leaving the Menteri Besar post in 1960. During his career, he was appointed as Minister of Lands and Mines as well as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries at the federal level, while continuing to play a role in rural development and the agricultural sector.
A few years after his retirement from central administration, he was reappointed as Menteri Besar of Perak on September 4, 1974. This second term was marked by issues regarding his relationship with the then-Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Shah, due to differences in views regarding the term of office and state policies. Although initially planned for a two-year term, he continued to serve until 1977 before resigning on the advice of central leaders.
His family is also well-known in Perak politics as his son, Tan Sri Mohd Tajol Rosli Mohd Ghazali, also became the Menteri Besar of Perak some time later.
3. Dato’ Seri Haji Shaari Shafie (1960–1964)
Dato’ Seri Haji Shaari bin Shafie was an important figure in the history of Perak's administration as the third Menteri Besar. He held this position from April 16, 1960, to May 7, 1964, succeeding Tan Sri Haji Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Jawi and preceding Dato’ Seri Ahmad Said.
He was born on December 12, 1912, in Bagan Serai, Perak, and received his early education at local schools before pursuing further studies. As a child, he was raised by his mother after his parents divorced, and his stepfather played a significant role in guiding his education, including mastering English at Clifford National School, Kuala Kangsar.
During his administration as Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Haji Shaari Shafie emphasized the building of efficient state government institutions and cooperation among the plural society in Perak. He was also viewed as a capable leader in the post-independence political climate, where the state was striving to adapt its administrative structure to the new framework of Malaya, which achieved independence in 1957.
Dato’ Seri Haji Shaari Shafie is remembered not only as a Menteri Besar but also as a recipient of state honors for his services and contributions to Perak during the early era of modern state administration.
4. Dato’ Seri Ahmad Said (1964–1970)
Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad bin Said was the 4th Menteri Besar of Perak, serving from May 7, 1964, to March 18, 1970. He was born on January 1, 1919, in Kampung Masjid, Lenggong, Perak, and was well-known for his roots in the local community before entering the state political arena.
He began his early education at local schools, including Sekolah Arab Kampung Geluk and Sekolah Melayu Lenggong, where he completed his basic education. Before entering politics full-time, he worked as a driver for the KED company from 1939–1941 and was later actively involved in local Malay associations and organizations in the post-World War II era.
Dato’ Seri Ahmad Said was also involved in establishing the UMNO branch in Lenggong alongside other figures and was active in early Perak state politics. He won the Lenggong State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat in the general election before being appointed as Menteri Besar by the Sultan of Perak following his majority win in the 1964 General Election.
During his administration, he focused on rural development issues and strengthening state administration in the early post-independence period, while also attempting to address economic and social challenges in rural areas. He is remembered as a leader who was close to the grassroots and provided opportunities for local voices within the Perak administrative structure.
5. Dato’ Seri Haji Kamaruddin Mohd Isa (1970–1974)
Dato’ Seri Haji Kamaruddin bin Mohd Isa was the fifth Menteri Besar of Perak, serving from March 18, 1970, to September 4, 1974, after Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Said. He was born in 1930 in Kampung Batu 16, Batu Kurau, Perak, and was a political figure and grassroots leader active in various associations and community activities before entering the state political arena.
Before becoming Menteri Besar, he was known as a school teacher in the village area and was actively involved in youth organizations and trade unions since the early 1950s. His role in UMNO politics in Perak helped pave the way for his career in state administration.
During his tenure as Menteri Besar, the Perak State Government was in a post-independence development phase, and he focused on empowering the rural economy and strengthening state policies in line with national development goals. On September 4, 1974, he resigned and was replaced by Tan Sri Haji Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Jawi at the beginning of Ghazali's second appointment to the post.
Dato’ Seri Haji Kamaruddin bin Mohd Isa is remembered as one of the leaders who brought grassroots voices and educational experience into state administration in the early 1970s.
6. Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Jawi (Second Term) (1974–1977)
Tan Sri Haji Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Jawi was a major political figure from UMNO who served as the Menteri Besar of Perak twice in the state's history. He was born on December 26, 1924, in Kampung Bukit Nangka, Lenggong, Perak, and was an influential politician who also served in the federal government before returning to lead the state.
After his first term as Menteri Besar from 1957 to 1960, he was reappointed on September 4, 1974, to hold the position of Menteri Besar of Perak again. This second term lasted until October 1, 1977, when he resigned and was replaced by Dato’ Seri Wan Mohamed bin Wan Teh.
His appointment in 1974 marked the government's renewed confidence in his experience in state administration after several years of serving at the federal level, including as Minister of Agriculture of Malaysia. However, his second term was also noted as a complex phase due to challenges in the relationship between the state and certain institutions during his administration, leading to his eventual resignation in 1977.
Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Jawi is also remembered as the father of Tan Sri Mohd Tajol Rosli Mohd Ghazali, who later also became the Menteri Besar of Perak, demonstrating the continuity of his family's role in state politics.
7. Dato’ Seri Wan Mohamed Wan Teh (1977–1983)
Dato’ Seri Haji Wan Mohamed bin Wan Teh was the 7th Menteri Besar of Perak, serving from October 1, 1977, to March 1, 1983. He was born in 1929 in Kampung Ulu Kenderong, Gerik, Perak, and began his career in the administrative sector before entering state politics.
He became actively involved in politics when he joined UMNO in 1951 and later became a representative in the Perak State Legislative Assembly, including representing the Grik seat in 1969 and Temenggor and Kenering in subsequent elections.
His appointment as Menteri Besar of Perak occurred after the transition of power from Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Jawi in 1977 amidst a sensitive relationship between political parties and the Palace. One of his main agendas after being appointed was to improve the relationship between the state government and the Sultan of Perak, particularly on administrative issues such as Islamic affairs and land management.
During his tenure, he was also involved in the state's development process, focusing on political stability and the well-being of the people of Perak. However, on February 22, 1983, he resigned due to health reasons, ending his term on March 1, 1983, and was succeeded by Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib.
Dato’ Seri Haji Wan Mohamed bin Wan Teh is remembered as a leader who played an important role in stabilizing the state administration after a phase of political conflict, and he also received several state honors throughout his life.
8. Tan Sri Dr. Ramli Ngah Talib (1983–1999)
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Diraja (Dr) Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib is one of the most influential figures in the history of Perak state politics. He served as the 8th Menteri Besar of Perak for over 17 years, from March 1, 1983, to December 2, 1999, making him the longest-serving individual in that position in the state's history.
Born on March 16, 1941, in Pasir Salak, Perak, Ramli Ngah Talib had a strong educational background. He studied at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) before pursuing law at Queen’s University, Belfast, and later obtained his qualification as a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, London.
Before becoming Menteri Besar, he became involved in politics when he was elected as the Perak State Assemblyman for the Kampung Gajah area in 1978, then appointed to the State Executive Council (EXCO). The trust placed in him led him to the highest position in state administration in his early 40s.
Throughout his nearly two decades as Menteri Besar, he led various development initiatives, including supporting the establishment of higher education institutions in Perak, the development of Proton City, Lumut Port, and strengthening the rural sector and job opportunities. Ramli also played a key role in cultural projects and the preservation of state history, such as the construction of the Pasir Salak Historical Complex.
Beyond his state career, after retiring from the Menteri Besar post, he remained active in federal administration, including serving as Deputy Minister of Transport at the Federal level and Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat of the Parliament of Malaysia from 2004 to 2008.
Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Ramli Ngah Talib is remembered not only as a widely experienced state leader but also as a figure who helped shape the landscape of education, infrastructure, and modern history of Perak during the country's era of rapid development.
9. Tan Sri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali (1999–2008)
Tan Sri Mohd Tajol Rosli bin Mohd Ghazali is a political figure from Lenggong, Perak, and was the 9th Menteri Besar of Perak. He was born on November 6, 1944, and is the son of Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Jawi, who also served as Menteri Besar of Perak twice.
He began serving as Menteri Besar of Perak on December 3, 1999, succeeding Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Diraja Ramli Ngah Talib, and held the position until March 17, 2008, when he made way for a new government following the 12th General Election, which saw a change in state politics.
Before becoming Menteri Besar, Tajol Rosli was active in state and federal politics as a representative in the Dewan Rakyat and the state government. He also served in several ministerial portfolios at the federal level, including as Deputy Minister of National and Rural Development, Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts, and Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, demonstrating his extensive experience in government administration.
His education includes a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, Australia, which contributed to his depth of understanding in economic and state development issues.
Tan Sri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali is remembered as a leader who played an important role in the era of Perak's political transition and state development during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including efforts to strengthen the state economy and the relationship between the state government and the federal government.
10. Dato’ Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (2008–2009)
Dato’ Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin was the 10th Menteri Besar of Perak, holding the position from March 17, 2008, to May 12, 2009. He was born on March 17, 1957, in Kampung Air Hitam Labu, Kampar, Perak, and has a background as a professional engineer, including an engineering degree from Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, before entering politics.
He became actively involved in politics through the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), then became a representative and was appointed as Menteri Besar after the 2008 Malaysian General Election, when the Pakatan Rakyat opposition coalition succeeded in forming the Perak state government. His appointment on March 17, 2008, made him one of the Menteri Besar appointed based on the coalition's victory.
His tenure as Menteri Besar witnessed the Perak Constitutional crisis or the “2009 Perak crisis” when three opposition assemblymen shifted their support to Barisan Nasional in early February 2009, resulting in a political dispute that led to a change in the state government and a series of complex court decisions regarding who was the legitimate Menteri Besar. The High Court once ruled him as the legitimate Menteri Besar, but that decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Federal Court.
Although his tenure was relatively short, his involvement in the crisis, which became a major reference in Malaysian political history, makes his name remembered in the context of state administration and state constitution. Since then, he has remained active in state politics and currently serves as the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Sungai Rapat and was appointed to the Perak State Executive Council after 2022.
11. Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir (2009–2018)
Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry bin Abdul Kadir was the 11th Menteri Besar of Perak, serving nearly nine years as the head of state administration after the 2009 Perak crisis era, which is famous in Malaysian political history.
He was born on March 22, 1962, in Pangkor Island, Perak, and received his early education at local schools before continuing his studies to a higher level. He holds a PhD in Political Thought and has an educational background in politics and philosophy, including studies abroad, which contributed to the formation of his academic and political views.
Zambry became active in politics through UMNO and became the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Pangkor, and also held positions in the state executive council before being appointed as Menteri Besar.
His appointment as Menteri Besar of Perak on May 12, 2009, occurred after political events in the state when several assemblymen shifted their support and the Sultan of Perak granted consent for his appointment. At that time, the court's decision on who was the legitimate Menteri Besar became a major issue and was later finalized through the appeal process, with the Federal Court confirming his position as Menteri Besar.
While leading the state government, Zambry played a role in continuing the Perak State development agenda, including in the economy, education, and relationships with the Palace and the federal government. He remained Menteri Besar until May 12, 2018, when the state government changed after the general election.
After that period, he remained active in politics, including serving in other roles at the federal government level and professional organizations.
12. Ahmad Faizal Azumu (2018–2020)
Ahmad Faizal Dato' Haji Azumu was born on June 10, 1970, in Ipoh, Perak, and is the 12th Menteri Besar of Perak. He began holding the position on May 12, 2018, after winning the 14th General Election as a Pakatan Harapan (PPBM) candidate.
However, after the change in the country's political landscape in 2020, which saw the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government, Ahmad Faizal remained leading the state government through the new Perikatan Nasional coalition. Nevertheless, in December 2020, he lost majority support in the Perak State Legislative Assembly after losing a vote of confidence, thus resigning as Menteri Besar.
Besides being Menteri Besar, Ahmad Faizal also held several important positions in the federal government, such as Minister of Youth and Sports. He is known as a young figure in Malaysian politics who often prioritizes people-friendly approaches and youth development.
13. Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad (2020–present)
Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad was appointed as the 13th Menteri Besar of Perak on December 10, 2020. He is the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for the Kota Tampan area and comes from the UMNO party under the Barisan Nasional coalition.
Before being appointed as Menteri Besar, he held several State Executive Council positions, including portfolios for Rural Development, Poverty, Plantations, Agriculture, and Agro-based Industries. Saarani is also known for his strong educational background in education and previously worked as a teacher.
His appointment as Menteri Besar brought a new breath of life to the state administration with a focus on political stability and the state's economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasizes the principle of unity among various races as well as priority for rural development and job opportunities for the people of Perak.
The Role and Challenges of the Menteri Besar in the Modern Era
The Menteri Besar of Perak not only manages state administrative matters but also plays a role in issues of public welfare, economic development, and relationships with the Federal government and the Palace. In this modern era, major challenges include political stability, post-pandemic economic recovery, and balancing urban-rural development.
Leadership Contributions to Perak's Development
Each Menteri Besar brings their own vision, from strengthening infrastructure, education, and foreign investment to rural development. They are part of the long history of the state of Perak, which is now continuing to move forward.
The Importance of Knowing the History of State Leadership
Understanding the lineage of state leaders is not just about knowing names, but also recognizing the values and policies that were once formed. It is important for the younger generation to be able to evaluate the changing political landscape in a more mature and informed manner.
