New Melaka governor Mohd Ali extends gratitude to Mohd Khalil

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Mohd Ali Rustam today extended his appreciation to Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob for his 16 years of excellent service as Melaka Governor.

Mohd Ali said the services and ideas offered by Mohd Khalil were invaluable and had contributed to the rapid growth and development of Melaka and its people.

"Since Tun’s (Mohd Khalil) appointment as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka, many successes were achieved whether in the state, or at the national and international level, which has definitely left a great mark on Melaka’s development.

“As a people-centric leader, Tun as an advisor to the state, together with the state government, has always sought to develop Melaka as a tourism state at the international level,” he said after the handing over of duties ceremony at the Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka’s office in Ayer Keroh here.

Also present were Mohd Khalil, Chief Minister Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali and Melaka Speaker Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Mohd Ali said during his tenure as Melaka’s ninth chief minister, Mohd Khalil has been very helpful in many state government’s initiatives such as the efforts to attain World Heritage City status from UNESCO in July 2008.

“Tun is also fluent in many languages, including French, and this had eased our overseas duties. The people of Melaka and I, especially the young generation, must emulate Tun’s skills in mastering foreign languages,” he said.

Mohd Ali added that Mohd Khalil was also known as a versatile person who possess many abilities including art and has produced more than 100 paintings.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khalil in his speech at the same event, said he enjoyed his stay in Melaka because everyone had put their best efforts to develop the state and hoped that the current administration would continue the excellent work.

"One advice that I can give is don't be too serious, have a sense of humour and enjoy your life, otherwise life will be very dull. I will always remember all my staff because without them, I could not perform my duty (as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka),” he said.

Yesterday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah presented Mohd Ali with the instrument of appointment as Melaka’s seventh Governor in a ceremony at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

Mohd Ali replaced Mohd Khalil whose tenure ended yesterday. - BERNAMA