TAN SRI DATO KURNIA JASA OTHMAN BIN TALIB FIRST CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (31.8.1957 – 31.5.1959)
Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman bin Talib was the first Chief Minister of Melaka after the country achieved independence. He held the position of Chief Minister from 31 August 1957 to 31 May 1959.

Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman was born on 12 June 1906 in Kampung Teja, Kota Baru, Perak. He was educated at Anderson School, Ipoh before continuing his studies at Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar, Perak. In 1926, he joined the ‘Malay Administrative Service’ (MAS) and in 1939, he joined the ‘Malayan Civil Service’ (MCS).

After graduating, he began serving as the State Secretary of Perlis from 1948 to 1949. He then became the State Secretary of Perak from 1949 to 1953. In 1953, he was appointed Deputy Menteri Besar of Perak until 1957. After the end of World War II, Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman visited England three times, namely in 1950, to learn the ins and outs of general elections, in 1951, to take the 'Devonshire Courses for Senior Officers' course, and in 1954, to learn Parliamentary procedures.

During his time as Chief Minister of Melaka, many development projects were implemented. Melaka was developed into a first-class trading port centre. In addition, a military camp worth RM30 million was built at Bukit Terendak which could accommodate 3,000 Commonwealth troops. A fisheries research institute worth RM21 million was also built in Batu Berendam. On the second anniversary of independence, on 31 August 1958, a ‘Malaccan Club’ building was renovated and turned into a Memorial building for the Declaration of Independence in front of Padang Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir, Melaka. A RM1 million development plan involving the Malay and Chinese population in two places, namely Kemendor and Solok Menggong, was also a main agenda of Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman. In addition, the construction of a 2,800-foot underwater pipeline for the Melaka Terminal in Tanjong Kling was also built.

Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman also did not neglect the development of infrastructure facilities. A water supply project worth RM1.8 million in Gadek was also implemented to provide water supply facilities for the residents of the Alor Gajah, Tampin and Negeri Sembilan districts. He also created a housing plan worth RM104 thousand in Pulau Sebang, the construction of a community hall in Tanjong Kling worth RM20 thousand and a polyclinic on Jalan Kubu worth RM500 thousand. He also provided an allocation of RM113,118 thousand for Malay religious and cultural purposes.

In terms of administration, Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman introduced the use of the Malay language in all correspondence. He also ensured that all departments and agencies of the Melaka state government had Malay clerks. During his era, Melaka also hosted an international conference, the ‘Pacific Area Travel Association Conference’.

Tan Sri Dato Kurnia Jasa Othman breathed his last on 9 September 1984 at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital at the age of 77 due to liver cancer. His body was buried at the Bukit Chandan cemetery in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. He left behind a wife, Nik Rafeah Alang Ahmad and six children, three girls and three boys.

TUN GHAFFAR BIN BABA SECOND CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (1.6.1959 – 5.10.1967)
Tun Abdul Ghaffar was the second Chief Minister of Melaka and the first elected by the people, serving from 1 June 1959 until 5 October 1967. Tun Abdul Ghafar was also the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia on 5 May 1986, in addition to being the Minister of Rural Development of Malaysia in 1986. He is also the longest-serving leader in the government since being elected to win the first election in 1955.

Tun Abdul Ghafar was born in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan on 18 February 1925. His father was Baba bin Abdullah, from Sungai Udang, Melaka and his mother Saodah binti Saleh, from Kampong Bemban, Melaka.

Tun Abdul Ghafar came from a poor family. His father worked as a taxi driver, rickshaw puller, bullock cart driver and rubber tapper. Tun Abdul Ghafar was the sixth of nine children. He was orphaned when he was 8 years old. Since then, Tun Abdul Ghafar lived with his uncle. Tun Abdul Ghafar had to fend for himself to cover his daily expenses by working as a ‘caddy’, tennis ball collector and salesman. firewood.

Tun Abdul Ghafar realized that education was very important to change his poor life. He began his education at the Malay School, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan when he was 6 years old. When he was 13 years old, he continued his education at the Tangga Batu Malay School, Melaka.

Before entering the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC), Tanjung Malim, Perak in 1946, he became a trainee teacher with an income of RM15.00 per month at the ‘Teacher Training College’ in 1946. At SITC, he was appointed Head of Students. To cover his expenses, he did a small business such as selling books.

While at SITC, Tun Abdul Ghafar began to be active in politics by becoming a member of the Malay Malay National Party of Malaya (PKMM). It was at this time that the spirit of nationalism began to overflow within him, and this spirit was tried to be instilled in his friends. He once organized protests against the British colonialists among the students of SITC. The experience of fighting against the colonialists of neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and the Philippines also increased his spirit against the British. Tun Abdul Ghafar read a lot of political books and the struggles of Indonesia, India, Vietnam and the Asian War. He also lectured to students at night about the Malay community, politics and others.

After graduating from SITC with a First Certificate and the Haji Abdul Jalil Prize, Tun Abdul Ghafar was assigned to be a teacher in Melaka. While he was a teacher (1949-1955), he was transferred four times by the British because of his political activities.

Tun Abdul Ghafar began to be active in politics in 1945, through PKMM which was established in October 1945. He was quite confident in the role of PKMM in defending the fate of the Malay people. He often attended gatherings and listened to lectures from PKMM figures such as Dr. Burhanuddin Al-Helmy, Ahmad Boestaman, Ishak Hj. Muhamad and others. These figures often visited Malacca, an important stronghold of PKMM.

Tun Abdul Ghafar's participation in politics was initially due to his desire to liberate the country from continued colonial rule. His family was quite concerned about Tun Abdul Ghafar's activities in political parties for fear of being arrested.

After PKMM was banned by the British in 1948, Tun Abdul Ghafar was active in the Union of Teachers of the Peninsular (KPGMS) between 1949-1957. This body, although a teachers' association, was very active in defending the fate of the Malays, in political, economic and social matters. This body directly inspired the spirit of unity and nationalism to demand independence for the country. Tun Abdul Ghafar became a supporter of this noble ideal.

All his actions were always observed by British officers, especially when he was active in the KPGMS Melaka Branch. Between 1949-1951, he was the Secretary of the Union.

Tun Abdul Ghafar has made KPGMS a platform to defend the fate of its members who consist of Malay teachers such as salary increases. Although KPGMS is a trade union, it has succeeded in fostering the spirit of unity and helping UMNO and other political parties demand independence.

Tun Abdul Ghafar began to get involved in UMNO Melaka in 1951 as an ordinary member. He was later appointed as Secretary of UMNO Melaka until 1955. His duties as a teacher did not prevent him from contributing energy to revive UMNO Melaka which had weakened due to the withdrawal of Jasmi Abdul Hamid and other founders of UMNO Melaka. Tun Abdul Ghafar together with other UMNO Melaka members such as Hasnol A. Hadi, Haji A. Wahab Hassan, Borhan Md. Yaman and Abu Samah A. Aziz have held informative talks to attract public interest in UMNO.

In the 1955 election, Tun Abdul Ghafar, who was the Head of the Melaka UMNO Division, contested on the PERIKATAN ticket for the Melaka Luar constituency and managed to win with a majority of 23,969 votes defeating Jaafar Mohd. Tan from the National Party.

He continued to be a representative of the people by winning several subsequent elections, namely in 1959, 1964 and 1969. In 1962, he was elected Vice President of the Federation of Malaya UMNO. In 1967, he became a member of the Cabinet and in March 1968 was appointed as a Senator cum Minister without portfolio and Chairman of FAMA. However, he resigned in March 1969, before contesting the Melaka Luar Constituency Parliamentary seat. In 1976, he left the Cabinet when Tun Hussein Onn became Prime Minister. However, he was active again and contested for the Jasin Parliamentary seat in 1978 and managed to retain the seatfor 4 terms until 1995. In April 1987, he successfully defeated Dato' Musa Hitam to win the position of Deputy President of UMNO.

On 1 June 1959, Tun Abdul Ghafar was appointed as the second Chief Minister of Melaka after Datuk Kurnia Jasa Othman Talib. At that time, he was 34 years old and was the youngest Chief Minister and the first elected by the people.

Under Tun Abdul Ghafar's leadership, the state of Melaka has developed well in the fields of agriculture and infrastructure. Various development, economic and social projects including education, agriculture and fisheries have been introduced. Among the projects that have been implemented are cattle and goat breeding projects, mobile library projects, projects to add and improve infrastructure facilities and projects to open land to be used as group farming areas.

To overcome the problem of poverty, Tun Abdul Ghafar has taken a practical approach. He has provided many assistance and ideas to overcome the poverty problem of rural communities. Among them are providing bicycles to poor children to enable them to go to school, providing chickens and cows to farmers, providing fishing boats, opening up agricultural land for new settlers and so on.

The ideas and assistance he provided won the hearts of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister at the time. Tunku Abdul Rahman appointed Tun Abdul Ghafar as the Chairman of MARA on 1 September 1967 based on the wisdom of the approach he took to overcome the problem of poverty. As the chairman of MARA, he also ensured that the establishment of ITM could help and train Bumiputeras involved in business and industry.

On 5 October 1967, Tun Abdul Ghafar resigned from the position of Chief Minister to serve at the central level.

Now, although he is no longer actively involved in the political arena, he is often a point of reference for other leaders. He was elected as the Chairman of UMNO Veteran Figures in May 1998, to assist the government in providing information on current issues to the people.

The bitterness of the struggle to elevate the Malays led him to establish the Tun Ghafar Baba Foundation in 1997, with the aim of helping poor students continue their studies.

Tun Abdul Ghafar was not only active in politics, but he was also active in voluntary and sports activities. He was the Chairman of the PGA and Lawn Tennis Association from December 1984, President of the Asian Tennis Circuit Council, Chairman of the Melaka Library Corporation, Chairman of the Merdeka Scholarship Fun Committee and Former President of the Melaka Red Crescent.

Tun Abdul Ghafar was married to Toh Puan Hajah Asmah bte Alang and was blessed with ten children. Later he met his soulmate Toh Puan Haryati bte A. Rahim and was blessed with one child.

The honorary awards that Tun Abdul Ghafar has received are the honorary Doctor of Laws award by Universiti Sains Malaysia on 27 July 1985, the 'Father of Unity' award by the UMNO Youth of Kota Melaka in 1987, the 'Malaysian Institute of Management Honorary Fellowship Award' in 1988, the 'Beloved Father' award by the Malaysian Telegu Association in 1990, the S.S.M. who carried the title of ‘Tun’ in 1995 and the ‘Tun Abdul Razak Foundation National Award’ on 19 March 1998.

DATUK HAJI TALIB BIN KARIM THIRD CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (6.10. 1967 – 31.7.1972)
Datuk Haji Talib or his nickname Saleh, was born on 12 December 1911 in Kampung Baru, Alor Gajah, Melaka. His father was named Abdul Karim, a descendant of the Kerinci nobility who traveled to Melaka to sell clothes. His mother was named Nyemah binti Jaafar. They later did small business in addition to rice farming and rubber tapping. Datuk Haji Talib was married to Datin Hajah Norkiah bte Hashim and was blessed with five children. They were Paezah, Faridah, Rathiah, Norhayati and Roslina.

In 1920, Datuk Haji Talib was sent to study at the Melaka High School until he reached the ‘Senior Cambridge’ level in 1929. However, he did not complete his studies due to disagreements with his teacher. After leaving school, he settled in the village and became an Imam and Assistant Village Head.

Datuk Haji Talib continued his studies in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1929. He studied religion for three years there. Then he went to Padang, Sumatra, tolearned about Islam based on the teachings of Jamaluddin Al-Afghani and Muhammad Abduh, known as the Kaum Muda. While in Padang, Datuk Haji Talib also taught English, in addition to writing in magazines and newspapers. Upon Datuk Haji Talib's return to his homeland in 1939, he worked as a fisherman, in addition to being an Imam in Kampung Baru. In addition, he also ran a coconut sugar making business.

When the Melaka Malay Union (KMM) was established, Datuk Haji Talib and his comrades continued to be members of the union. Among them was Haji Ahmad Amin (Ahmad Janggut), who was appointed as the Yang DiPertua of the Melaka Malay Union in 1941.

During the Japanese era, Datuk Haji Talib was not actively involved in political activities. Instead, he worked as an English translator for the Japanese, in addition to expanding his coconut sugar business.

In 1945 and 1946, the Malay community throughout the Peninsula rose up against the idea of ​​the Malayan Union. Datuk Haji Talib together with Datuk Naning and Sudin Abdul Rahman also mobilized the village community to re-establish the KMM. He and Haji Ahmad Amin went on a campaign as far as Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan.

Datuk Haji Talib, as a representative of the KMM, was elected to the Supreme Committee of the Malay Malay National Party Congress (PKMM) in Ipoh in December 1945. Realizing that there would be some Malayan Communist Party (PKM) beliefs within the PKMM, Datuk Haji Talib rejected his candidacy as PKMM Commissioner. As a result, many KMM members withdrew from the PKMM.

In February 1946, Datuk Onn Jaafar established the Johor Peninsular Malay Movement (PMS Johor). A meeting was held in Pulau Besar to discuss the establishment of the Johor PMS branch in Melaka. Finally, the Melaka PMS branch was established and led by Ahmad Jamal and Muhamad Ali Muhamad (Muhamad Alimin).

Datuk Haji Talib continued to be a member of the KMM. In the 1946 Malay Congress conference, at the Sultan Sulaiman Club, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, KMM gave a mandate to the PMS Melaka, to oppose the Malayan Union.

In 1948, the Malayan Union was dissolved after the formation of the Federation of Malaya. This made the Malays realize that they should unite under UMNO. Therefore, the PMS Melaka and KMM were dissolved and their members were absorbed into UMNO. The top leadership of UMNO was largely held by former PMS Melaka members, including Datuk Haji Talib who became a Committee Member (AJK) for the Alor Gajah area.

In the 1955 election, Datuk Haji Talib successfully won the Alliance (UMNO) seat for the Alor Gajah Darat area. As an elected representative, he explored new land in the Menggong area for landless Malays in 1958. Meanwhile, in 1959, the lands began to be planted with rubber. In 1960, the new village of Menggong was included in the Felda Scheme to enable its settlers to receive better assistance and guidance. However, Datuk Haji Talib did not leave his work as a settler and went straight to Felda affairs.

Datuk Haji Talib Karim was the third Chief Minister of Melaka. He was sworn in as Chief Minister of Melaka on 6 October 1967 and served until 1 August 1972.

In 1967, after several years as Speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, Datuk Haji Talib was appointed to hold the position of Chief Minister of Melaka when Encik Ghafar Baba was required to serve the Central Government. After being appointed, Datuk Haji Talib had to struggle with the UMNO division movement.

To divert the people's attention from focusing on the division issue, Datuk Haji Talib tried to carry out several projects for the benefit of the people and the state of Melaka itself. Among his big plans was to build a water dam in Macap Umbu which was undertaken through a loan from Bank Asia. In addition, there were also large-scale cattle breeding projects in Pulau Besar Melaka, opening a free port in Bandar Hilir and a Malay village in Kuala Sungai Baru.

Most of his projects could not be implemented because he had to deal with the turmoil of the times. Among them, during the 1969 Election, which left a bad impression with the occurrence of the May 13 incident. Apart from that, he was unable to build political strength despite becoming the Chief Minister of Melaka, and finally, as a result of the lack of power, he was caught between the influence of the group that demanded the division of the division and the influence of Encik Ghafar Baba. To be fair, each interpreted his actions as if he was siding with their respective enemies. In such a situation, finally on August 1, 1972, Datuk Haji Talib resigned as Chief Minister. He took this action because he was afraid of a vote of no confidence froma Members of the Melaka State Council of State, after he was defeated in the election of the Head of Alor Gajah Division by his Political Secretary, Hashim Pit. This event ended his political career.

In memory of his services, Datuk Haji Talib was awarded several medals of honor, namely J.P., D.K.S.J. by His Excellency the Yang DiPertua Negeri Melaka on 9 August 1968 and D.U.S.M. which carries the title of Datuk. His name was also immortalized on a secondary school in Alor Gajah, Melaka with the name Sekolah Menengah Datuk Haji Talib Karim.

Datuk Haji Talib bin Karim passed away on 29 October 1977.

DATUK SETIA HAJI ABDUL GHANI BIN ALI FOURTH CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (1.8.1972 – 10.7.1978)
Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani Ali was the fourth Chief Minister of Melaka from 1972 to 1978.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani was born on 9 June 1924, in Kampung Ramuan China, Melaka. In 1930, he received his primary school education at Sekolah Melayu Ramuan China. He was appointed as a Trainee Teacher in 1940. During the Japanese occupation in 1942, he went to Singapore to work as a mechanic. Later, he continued his studies at the Sultan Idris Teachers College (MPSI), Tanjung Malim Perak, from 1946 to 1948.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani joined UMNO in early 1950. Throughout his involvement in UMNO, he held several important positions. Among them were the Alor Gajah UMNO Division Chief, Melaka State UMNO Liaison Chief and a Member of the UMNO Malaysia Supreme Working Council Committee (AJK).

In 1964, he won and was elected to the State Assembly seat for the Ramuan China constituency. Subsequently, he was appointed as a Member of the Melaka State Executive Council (MMKN Melaka - Exco). He repeated his victory in the 1969 election, in the same constituency, and remained as a Member of the Melaka MMKN (Exco).

In 1972, Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani was appointed to the position of Acting Chief Minister of Melaka, replacing Datuk Haji Abdul Talib Karim. Later, he continued to hold the position of Chief Minister on 1 August of the same year.

In the 1974 election, Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani contested for the Kuala Sungai Baru State Legislative Assembly (DUN). In that election, he won unopposed and subsequently retained the position of Chief Minister of Melaka.

As Chief Minister, in December 1976, Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani was appointed as the Speaker of the Melaka Municipal Council (MPM) replacing Datuk Tan Cheng Swee. He also expanded the MPM area by including the entire Melaka Tengah district into the MPM area.

As the Speaker of the MPM, he worked to repair the weaknesses that occurred in the MPM administration, as well as smoothen administrative affairs according to the wishes of the people and state development, especially to solve the problem of squatter houses and the participation of Bumiputeras in trade and business.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani also helped develop the abandoned Malay-owned lands (MCL) around Melaka town together with the Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM) by undertaking medium-cost housing projects and cheap houses, such as in Taman Melaka Baru, Batu Berendam and Ayer Keroh Heights as well as Taman Maju in Jasin.

He also undertook the reclamation of 440 acres of coastal land in Bandar Hilir and Tengkera to be developed with shop and office space, hotel, shopping complex, hospital and apartment projects which are now known as Taman Melaka Raya and Taman Kota Laksamana. In addition, the reclamation of 500 acres of swamp land in Mukim Bacang which is now known as Taman Malim Jaya was also developed with housing projects, shopping complexes, shop and office space as well as the relocation of manufacturing areas in Melaka town to the countryside. This is in line with the two-pronged strategy of the New Economic Policy (NEP) which is to open up new areas for Bumiputeras to do business.

Also aspired by Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani was to create a Malay Village model in the city of Melaka. The proposal received strong support from members of the City UMNO Division, especially the City UMNO Chief, Datuk Haji Ismail Hashim, who wanted to maintain and increase the number of Malays in the city. According to Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani, he wanted to create six Malay Village models in the city of Melaka at that time.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani was also able to create new business sites by renovating the long-abandoned railway station site along Jalan Hang Tuah, by giving ownership of shop sites to MARA, PKNM, the Agricultural Board, the Malaysian Youth Association Council (MGBM), UMNO and the Melaka Taxi Association as well as private companies. The success of the development of this area demonstrates the integrated development with the transfer of government administrative offices from the Stadhyus and Bukit St. Paul areas to Jalan Hang Tuah, Melaka City. This is intended to facilitate bus and taxi transportation for the public.

The establishment of the Malaysian Shipping Training Center, now known as the Malaysian Naval Academy (ALAM) in Tanjung Dahan which was established in 1977, also influenced the socio-economics of the local population, especially for the Kuala Sungai Baru State Constituency.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani had the opportunity to be involved in expanding the development of multinational industries in the State of Melaka with investments of thousands of millions of ringgit under the program to locate large factories outside the Klang Valley which was inspired by YAB Tun Abdul Razak, the Second Prime Minister of Malaysia. This program was implemented through the leadership of YM Tun Raja Mohar, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Trade at that time, through the opening of new industrial areas in Alor Gajah, Jasin, Merlimau, Ayer Keroh, Bukit Rambai, Tangga Batu and Batu Berendam. These factories provided employment opportunities for Melaka children who usually had to migrate to find a living in Singapore, Selangor and other places. He also appealed to factory entrepreneurs in Melaka to provide opportunities for important positions for Bumiputera children to accelerate the achievement of the NEP goals.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani also found that the Melaka state transportation system needed to be improved. Therefore, he obtained the approval of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance so that a jetty could be placed in Tanjung Kling and Batu Berendam Airport could be widened and extended. His proposal was welcomed by the then Minister of Finance of Malaysia, Tun Tan Siew Sin. Via the Kuala Lumpur / Johor Bahru Expressway, the only interchange to enter Melaka was through Simpang Empat, Alor Gajah at that time. Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani successfully obtained a second interchange to enter Melaka via Ayer Keroh as a result of the success of the Melaka state industrial program.

When Datuk Seri Haji Abdul Ghani was on a trip abroad to lead the Melaka State Trade Mission to Europe, Australia and America in 1976, the position of Chief Minister was held by Haji Abdul Ghani Ishak. At that time, the Ministry of Education planned to close Sekolah Kebangsaan Kubu because it found that the number of students was too small. Upon Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani's return from overseas, he bravely and firmly canceled the proposed closure of the school.

When he was the President of MPM, he successfully canceled the 'massage room' license after receiving advice from the police. Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani also sympathized with the problems of families occupying ancestral land in villages who were unable to build new houses by providing land lots in Lubok China, Ramuan China Besar, Kesang Tua and Batang Melaka in addition to opening up land for orchards in Asahan, Chabau, Cenderah, Chin Chin and Kesang.


Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani has developed a 2,000-acre piece of land filled with gelam trees in Kuala Linggi, Ramuan China, Brisu and Sungai Siput to create a ‘Malay Estate’. This estate was created with the aim of providing profits and saving the property of the Malays in Melaka. According to Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani, the ‘Malay Estate’ also aims to fill the NEP, open up job opportunities for local people to improve the living standards and economy of the Malays.

The opening of the ‘Malay Estate’, has caused various reactions to the point of anger among UMNO Melaka politicians who called themselves Gang 11. The opposition party, DAP, also opposed it completely. However, the Wanita UMNO movement supported him. Gang 11 then tried to bring him down as Chief Minister through a vote of no confidence to be brought to the Melaka State Legislative Assembly meeting. However, UMNO central retained him as Chief Minister of Melaka.

In the field of history and culture, Datuk Setia Abdul Ghani has accepted the recommendation made by the ‘Colombo Plan’ expert at the time, Ms Jean Currie from Britain to preserve the historical attractions located in Bandar Hilir, Banda Kaba and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock up to the Jalan Hang Tuah bridge to be made into a historical area and gazetted under Antiquities Act so that the area is maintained as it is and if it is to be used again, its shape and height must be maintained or resemble the existing one.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani also managed to stop the 'mandi safar' activity that was once famous in the state of Melaka. Instead, a Cultural Festival was organized at Pantai Kundur, Tanjung Kling in 1975. This activity was finally stopped completely in 1979.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani was also active in voluntary and community activities. He was the main driver and founder in the establishment of the Malaysian Youth Association (MGBM). He also donated several plots of land to MGBM for development, among which is the MGBM housing area in Bachang.

He was also active in the Historical Society of Malaysia Melaka Branch (PSMCM), the National Writers Association of Malaysia (PENAMA), the Tun Seri Lanang Writers Association, and several charities in the state.

Datuk Setia Haji Abdul Ghani had three wives. His wives were Hajah Mariam bt Ibrahim, Hajah Kalsum bt Abu and Hajah Nyaros bt Shukor. As a result of his life partnership with three wives, he was blessed with 17 children. They consisted of 16 boys and one girl.

a total of 17 children. They consisted of 16 boys and one girl.

To commemorate his services, a building has been named after him, namely Bangunan Datuk Setia Haji Abd. Ghani Ali. He was also awarded the highest medal of the state of Melaka D.T.S.M. which carries the title of Datuk Setia.

DATUK SERI HAJI MOHAMED ADIB BIN HAJI MOHD. ADAM FIFTH CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (11. 7. 1978 – 26. 4. 1982) Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib was born in Kesang Tua, Jasin, Melaka on 2 July 1941. His father was Haji Mohd. Adam bin Mohd. Anas, a POS Manager, Negeri Sembilan. His mother was Hajah Hasmah binti Haji Mohd. Baki, a housewife.

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib's primary school education began at several schools such as Kesang Tua Malay School, Jasin; Ujong Pasir School, Melaka; Bukit Cina School, Melaka and English Primary School, Tengkera, Melaka. At the secondary school level, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib received his education at Melaka High School, Penang Free School and Methodist Boys School, Penang.

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib was admitted to the University of Malaya (UM) in 1963 with a Federal Teaching Scholarship in the field of Malay Studies and Natural Sciences. He eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966.

Upon completion of his studies, he entered the civil service by being appointed as an Assistant District Officer in Kuala Selangor. This is where Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib began to join associations such as the Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) and the ‘Malaysian Association Youth Council’ (MAYC). He was once elected as the MAYC Chairman for the Kuala Selangor district. He was also the MAYC Chairman for the state of Selangor from 1967 to 1969.

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib only remained in the ‘Malaysian Civil Service’ (MCS) position for four years. During that period, he was appointed as the Assistant District Officer of Sepang and Acting District Officer of Kuala Langat, until 1970.

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib's initial involvement in politics was only as an ordinary member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Kuala Selangor Branch. His political career began on 8 February 1971, when he resigned from his government position and became the Executive Secretary of UMNO Selangor. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of UMNO Malaysia Youth when Dato' Musa Hitam was offered to contest in the by-election for the Segamat Parliamentary constituency, Johor.

After the 1974 general election, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib was sent to The Hague, Netherlands as an 'Information Counsellor' at the Malaysian Embassy there. However, he did not stay there for long.

On 1 January 1977, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib returned to the political arena when he was reappointed as the Executive Secretary of UMNO Malaysia and Barisan Nasional. On 8 July 1978, he won the general election for the Ayer Panas constituency. As a result of this victory, he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Melaka by Tun Hussein Onn, the Prime Minister at that time, on 11 July 1978. At that time, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib was only 37 years old.

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib's first task as the Chief Minister of Melaka was to resolve the political crisis within Melaka UMNO itself. This task was a big and important task involving the political figures of Melaka UMNO who had strong influence and positions in the the state's political landscape. To address the political crisis, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib took steps not to side with any party and this has successfully calmed the political situation in the state of Melaka.

As an initial step in administering the state of Melaka, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib has introduced the 'collective government' and 'portfolio' system to enable each Exco to gain expertise and in-depth knowledge in a particular field and be able to make decisions together, absolutely and fairly.

Throughout his involvement as the Chief Minister of Melaka, he has carried out several projects that have successfully increased development in the state of Melaka. He has not only focused on the agricultural sector but also on infrastructure facilities, the manufacturing sector and others. Melaka is hit by a fairly big problem where job opportunities in Melaka are very limited. This has caused many youths to migrate to other states. Therefore, he wants the manufacturing sector to be developed to overcome this problem.

He and the Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM) are working to attract foreign investors. PKNM also received cooperation from federal bodies such as the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) in this regard. The private sector was also encouraged to set up their enterprises in Melaka. For example, from 1 to 7 November 1981, he made a working visit to Japan regarding investment in a car assembly plant.

He was also very interested in witnessing the development of Melaka in the agricultural sector. One of his main plans was Integrated Agricultural Development and this plan was financed by the World Bank. Apart from that, Melaka also received an allocation of RM 1,000 million in the Fourth Malaysia Plan, to finance mega projects such as the construction of the Petronas Oil Refinery in Batu Berendam, Melaka, the construction of the North-South Expressway, the construction of the State Mosque and others.

He and the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department have planned and conducted studies on how to increase development and modernization as well as measures to develop the state's economy.

He is confident that Melaka is capable of competing with other states and the starting point for this success is from a skilled and efficient administration, which is able to contribute services under the umbrella of the government based on a portfolio system that can unite political contributions with the contributions of administrators. He also feels that a balance between the needs of the state government and the Federal government should exist especially in the recruitment of officers so that the ideas that are born are more dynamic, creative and constructive. Only then can all projects be implemented without problems.

He resigned as Chief Minister on 26 April 1982, after serving for three years and eight months.

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Adib married Datin Seri Zainiah Haji Hussain and was blessed with three children, namely; Ahmad Azam, Ahmad Azuar and Aida.

On 9 June 1983, in conjunction with the 65th birthday of TYT Yang DiPertua Negeri Melaka, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Adib was awarded the second highest medal of the state of Melaka, namely D.G.S.M. which carries the title of Datuk Seri.

TAN SRI HAJI ABDUL RAHIM BIN DATUK TAMBY CHIK SIXTH CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (27.4.1982 – 13.10.1994)
Tan Sri Haji Abdul Rahim was born on 10 April 1950, at Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah, Melaka. He was the son of the late Datuk Tamby Chik Karim, a well-known UMNO political figure in Melaka. His late father's serious involvement in politics aroused interest in his son.

Tan Sri Haji Abdul Rahim's mother was named Habsah binti Hassan, a housewife who had contributed a lot by successfully educating their six children until they became successful human beings. Tan Sri Haji Abdul Rahim was the fifth child.

Tan Sri Haji Abdul Rahim received his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pengkalan Balak and his secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Ghaffar Baba, Masjid Tanah, Melaka. After obtaining excellent results in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), he entered form six at Sekolah Menengah Datuk Seri Amar Di Raja Muar, Johor.

With excellent results in the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) examination, he decided to continue his studies to the degree level at the University of Malaya. There, he was accepted into the Faculty of Economics (Applied Economics) in 1970.

Since his lower secondary education to the degree level, his leadership qualities have been evident. His interest in lecturing was proven when he represented his school in a syarah competition an, discussion and others. His leadership qualities continued to the university level, where he was active in the Malay Language Association of the University of Malaya and the Economics Association of the University of Malaya.

He successfully completed his studies in 1973 by obtaining a Bachelor's Degree (Honours) in Economics. As soon as he completed his studies at the university, he was accepted to work at UDA as a Development Officer. Not long after, he returned to Melaka because he was accepted to work as a Project Manager with the Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM).

His political activities began when he became a member of UMNO in 1969 for the Pengkalan Balak branch, while he was still a student. His nature of lecturing continued by giving political talks at UMNO-organized talks in and outside Melaka while he served with UDA and PKNM.

While he served with PKNM, he contested for the position of Vice-Chief of UMNO Youth for the Kota Melaka Division and successfully won it. Later, he contested for the position of UMNO Youth Chief of Kota Melaka and won it with flying colors.

Therefore, he was elected to be a member of the Exco of the UMNO Youth Movement of Malaysia in 1976. He was given the task of being a Member of Parliament and also Parliamentary Secretary and Deputy Federal Minister. Before being appointed as the Chief Minister of Melaka, he had served under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Primary Industries and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

July 12, 1993, marked a new point in his political career, when he voiced his intention to contest for the position of UMNO Youth Chief which was vacated by Dato’ Seri Najib.

Tan Sri Haji Abdul Rahim also contested with Dato’ Mohd. Isa, Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan to contest for the position of Umno Youth Chief of Malaysia and won with a small margin of votes.

He held the motto that read ‘Wisdom Leading the Youth’ as the principle of his struggle. Wisdom for him is when he is able to make a decision after everything is investigated, studied and analyzed before acting. He is a leader who takes into account the opinions of others and this makes him very approachable and liked by others. In fact, his principles just now caused a job to be accepted as a job produced as a team.

In 1982, he contested for the Kelemak DUN seat and he successfully won the seat. With that, he was given full authority to administer and develop the state of Melaka as the Chief Minister of Melaka. Previously, the political performance of the state of Melaka was quite weak because there were many political crises that hindered the detailed development of the state of Melaka. Therefore, when he took his place as the Chief Minister of Melaka, the central government really hoped that he could raise the status of the state of Melaka in terms of politics and development.

In the next term, he was once again given full trust to lead and administer the state of Melaka. This is because throughout his four years of administration, Melaka had transformed into a developed state. Melaka has been successfully upgraded to the status of "Historic City" during his administration. The state of Melaka, which is full of historical buildings from the colonial era, has been renovated and upgraded. In fact, a twinning agreement has been signed between Melaka-Lisbon and Melaka-Hoorne, the Netherlands. The establishment of museums in various aspects has also been carried out as a process of documentation and historical exhibitions for the knowledge of the current generation.

As an economic development policy based on industry, he as the Chief Minister of Melaka has encouraged the industrial sector by developing the areas of Ayer Keroh, Batu Berendam, Bukit Rambai, Tanjong Kling, Alor Gajah, Merlimau, Cheng and Tangga Batu as industrial zones. These areas have been made into new complete industrial areas. In fact, he himself has led several investment missions abroad to encourage foreign investors to invest in Melaka. This can provide financial resources to the state in addition to providing jobs for the people of Melaka and Malaysia.

He has also strived to improve the living standards of poor farmers by implementing an integrated agricultural program that can increase farmers' income through increased plantation productivity.

In 1994, Tan Sri Haji Abdul Rahim resigned as Chief Minister of Melaka and Head of UMNO Youth due to personal and political problems.

He started a family a with Datin Zabedah Hj. Abdullah on 31 August 1974. They were blessed with three daughters, namely, Zetty Juyanti, Tutty Rahiza and Petty Diyana.

To commemorate his contribution to the development of Melaka, he was awarded medals such as P.S.M. which carries the title of Tan Sri, D.P.M.J., A.M.N., P.J.K., D.G.S.M. which carries the title of Datuk Seri, S.S.S.A. and D.A.

DATUK SERI HAJI MOHD. ZIN BIN HAJI ABD. GHANI SEVENTH CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (14.10.1994 – 14.5.1997)
Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Zin Haji Abd. Ghani was the seventh Chief Minister of Melaka. He was appointed Chief Minister of Melaka on 14 October 1994.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin Hj. Abd. Ghani was born on 12 October 1941 in Melekek Luar village, Alor Gajah, Melaka. He, who is the youngest of five siblings, came from a poor family. His father Hj. Abd. Ghani bin Abd. Latiff and his mother Hajjah Oyot binti Manaf only worked as rubber tappers. However, the difficult living conditions never stopped Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin from advancing in his studies.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin began his early education at Melekek Malay School until he finished grade seven, which was the highest grade in the Malay stream at that time. During his school days, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was an active and energetic student involved in school activities by getting involved in sports, scouting and agriculture such as gardening.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was a person who never knew the meaning of despair. Although he only received an education up to the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), he showed a deep interest in helping his people pursue progress.

The first step he took was to become a teacher and on May 1, 1957, at the age of 16, he became a trainee teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan Alor Gajah before moving to teach at Sekolah Kebangsaan Air Pak Abas in 1961. In 1966, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin took the SPM examination and managed to get excellent results. In 1972, he was assigned to teach at Sekolah Kebangsaan Melekek Alor Gajah and was subsequently promoted to Senior Assistant Teacher.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was a teacher who was very dedicated in carrying out his duties. He always emphasized his studies to ensure that his career as a teacher would be beneficial in helping his students succeed one day. Because of his perseverance and hard work, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was appointed as a headmaster and assigned to Sekolah Kebangsaan Air Pak Abas in 1982.

His nature of being a social worker has led him to get involved in politics. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin's concern for community problems has made politics a field to continue his desire to defend the fate of the underprivileged.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin's parents were not active in politics. In fact, among his siblings, he was the only one who was active in politics. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin entered UMNO in 1959 as a member of the Melekek UMNO Branch, Alor Gajah. He entered UMNO with one determination, namely the desire to prove his ability if given the opportunity to provide the best service. The nature of superior leadership and high prudence has always existed in him. The desire to help the welfare of the population and develop the community is indeed what he desires.

His experience as a teacher has exposed him to various problems of the people. In fact, it has become a routine in his life mixed with various problems of the people. From there arose his interest in joining UMNO since only this party can fight for the fate of religion, race and country.

When joining UMNO, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was exposed to many party activities in addition to actively participating in various associations to broaden the experience of UMNO figures who are actively involved in UMNO politics in the state of Melaka. The dedication and service he gave to the UMNO struggle was not in vain when in 1972, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was given the trust to hold the position of Head of the Melekek UMNO Branch.

After the appointment, he began to actively participate in UMNO at the branch and division level of Alor Gajah. In 1978, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was elected as the Vice Head of the Alor Gajah UMNO Youth Division before being appointed as the Head of the Alor Gajah UMNO Youth Division the following year because of his services in UMNO.

In 1984, he was elected as the Vice Chairman of the State UMNO and later as the Deputy Chairman until 1986. In the election for In 1985, Mohd. Zin was elected to represent the Kelemak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) constituency. As expected, he won the election with a majority of 4,592 votes, defeating the PAS candidate.

In 1987, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was elected to hold the position of Deputy Chief of Alor Gajah UMNO Division. Then on 14 October 1994, he was given a mandate by the government to replace Tan Sri Abd. Rahim Thamby Chik as the Chief Minister of Melaka. He was also unanimously elected to lead the UMNO Division Chief of Alor Gajah.

The controversy that befell the Chief Minister at that time, Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik, led Hj. Mohd. Zin to assume the position of Acting Chief Minister on 21 September 1994 after being given the confidence of the Prime Minister.

On 14 October 1994, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was sworn in as the seventh Chief Minister of Melaka following the resignation of Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik. His authority as Chief Minister of Melaka was evident when for the third term in the 1995 general election, he won a majority of 4,571 votes over the PAS candidate for the Melaka State Assembly.

As the Chief Minister of Melaka who was authoritative and trustworthy in carrying out his duties, he had the charisma of being a good leader based on his participation in all DUN activities in the state of Melaka. In implementing state development programs, he was very careful in making decisions because he was concerned about waste.

He was a leader who valued quality of work and always followed the progress of projects being implemented so that the projects being implemented would achieve the national development goals as planned.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin was also a people-oriented leader because he always practiced an "open door" attitude in his home for the people to meet, discuss and resolve their problems. Hj. Mohd. Zin hopes that this approach will bring the leaders closer to the people.

As the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Hj.Mohd. Zin has planned various programs to develop Melaka. He has emphasized three main aspects in the development of Melaka, namely the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors.

He has formulated a strategy to strengthen the state's agricultural sector with various agricultural planting and processing programs for farmers so that they can adapt to the latest methods. Among his efforts is the introduction of the "agro-tourism" project, which is a two-pronged project of the state government that emphasizes two main areas, namely agriculture and tourism. Through this project, the government has built accommodations, recreation parks, various types of plants, agricultural research sites and culture to attract tourists to come to Melaka.

For example, in Melaka, the agricultural sector has been commercialized to provide benefits to farmers. Several main aspects of agriculture have provided benefits to farmers such as fruit processing to be used as sales items, including juice, pickles and limes. In fact, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin encouraged farmers to open their own factories to process their agricultural products as final products. In addition, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin often reminded farmers to cultivate abandoned agricultural land as a recovery effort.

In the field of administration, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin is an administrator who cares about the Melaka administration so that it is always updated to smooth efforts towards developing the state. He always advises government employees to show the best quality of service, in addition to practicing honest, tolerant, persistent and innovative practices. He has highlighted 10 things that are the core practices in the service of state government employees, these 10 cores are also known as the "Ten Core Cultures" which, among other things, encourage these service practices to be absorbed into the quality of work which will then stabilize the state administration.

In the industrial field, many foreign investors have shown interest in investing in Melaka. During Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin led Melaka, a total of 20 foreign companies have invested capital with an investment value of RM997.5 million. The investment areas that have attracted the interest of these companies include the manufacture of aircraft from composite materials, computers, chemicals and waste recycling.

The tourism sector is an important asset for developing Melaka. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin as the Chief Minister of Melaka has planned a tourism program to attract more foreign tourists to visit Melaka. To that end, the The Melaka Kingdom has allocated several phases to develop this sector, including the construction of a modern shopping complex, Kotamas Shopping Centre worth RM 75 million, which has been completed in Ayer Keroh. In addition, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin has also allocated RM 1 billion to develop Kuala Linggi, an area identified as a new resort for the state.

Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd, Zin is also a leader who cares about matters related to education. He successfully convinced Yayasan Melaka to increase its contribution of RM 100,000 to primary and secondary schools throughout the state to improve the learning performance of the schools involved. The contribution is to help students get complete learning facilities, especially students who are about to sit for the Primary School Assessment Test (UPSR), Lower Secondary School Assessment Test (PMR), Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) and Malaysian Higher Certificate of Education (STPM) examinations.

To create a developed society that is in line with his vision to eliminate poverty among the people, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin has planned the development programs of the Poorest People Development Program (PPRT). This is done so that the people's lives are not marginalized from the development trend of Melaka.

Datuk Seri Mohd. Zin married Datin Seri Fatimah Samdin on 15 August 1965. They were blessed with eleven children, namely Rafidi, Shilaziah, Zulkiflee, Nurazhan, Mohd. Zawawi, Halimatun, Azura, Shahrul Azam, Khairul Anuar, Faradina and Mohd. Faizal.

To appreciate the services and contributions of Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Zin Hj. Abd. Ghani, he was awarded the Darjah Seri Mahkota (D.G.S.M) which carries the title of Datuk Seri, DMSM which carries the title of Datuk, A.M.N (1985), BKT (1982), and PPN (1980). The Melaka government has also named a road in the Melaka district named Jalan Datuk Seri Mohd. Zin Abd. Ghani after him in appreciation of his services to the development of the state of Melaka.

On 12 May 1997, Datuk Seri Hj. Abd. Zin Abd. Ghani was admitted to Tawakkal Hospital after suffering a stroke at his residence in Klang Gate. Two days later, on 14 May 1997, he died.

YAB DATUK SERI ABU ZAHAR BIN HAJI ISNIN EIGHTH CHIEF MINISTER ( 23.5.1997 – 18.12.1999 )
Adhering to the motto 'If Not Us, Who?', is the principle of Datuk Seri Abu Zahar bin Haji Isnin. He was born in Kampung Merlimau Pasir, Melaka on 14 September 1939. He is the fourth child of seven siblings.

His father, Haji Isnin bin Mahad was a small businessman in his village and was active in the Malay Malay National Party (PKMM). While his mother, Hajah Nah binti Subuh was a housewife.

He received his primary education at the Merlimau Malay School, Melaka from 1946 to 1948. In 1949 he had the opportunity to continue his secondary education at the Melaka High School through the Special Malay Class until 1956, when he sat for the ‘Senior Cambridge’ examination.

While at school, he was active in almost all the school’s co-curricular activities including sports, uniformed teams and language and cultural associations.

After completing the ‘Senior Cambridge’ examination in 1957, he was accepted into the Kota Bharu Teachers’ College, Kelantan. After a year of following a teaching course at the college, he continued his teaching course at the Language Teachers’ College in Bukit Senyum, Johor Bahru and in Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.

In 1960, he sat for the Higher School Certificate examination and in 1967 he was assigned as a Senior Assistant Teacher at Sekolah Menengah Tun Perak, Jasin. While at the school, he and his colleagues successfully established the Welfare Body for Poor Students at Sekolah Menengah Tun Perak. Various projects and activities were planned to obtain financial resources to fill the fund such as holding performances, band performances and so on. He was very proud to be a pioneer and to be the first government to introduce a textbook loan scheme for poor students.

After 12 years of service at Sekolah Menengah Tun Perak, Jasin, he was transferred to the Ministry of Education, Kuala Lumpur as a Senior Language Manager in the Schools Division in 1979.

In 1984, he was sent to take a course at Brighton Polytechnic Language Centre, University of Brighton, London in the field of producing teaching materials in English as a second language. After returning from the course, he was appointed as the Principal Assistant Director of the School Liaison and Registration Unit at the Melaka Education Department. He remained in that position until he was offered the position of contesting in the general election for the Sungai Rambai Constituency State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat on 23 July 1986.

As a politician, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar held the position of UMNO Youth Chief of Rim, Jasin Branch in 1965 and Deputy UMNO Youth Chief of Jasin Division from 1976 to 1978. A year later, he was elected as a Committee Member (AJK) of the same branch of UMNO. In 1970, he was also elected as the UMNO Youth Chief of Kampung Rim Branch.

Following the division of UMNO Melaka into four divisions in 1972, based on parliamentary constituencies, he was elected as the Jasin Division UMNO Youth Committee and Chairman of the Jasin Division UMNO Education Bureau from 1978 to 1986. In 1988, he was appointed as the Chief Sponsor of UMNO Jasin Division until 1990 and became the Head of UMNO Jasin Division from 1989 to present.

His career as a representative of the people began in July 1986, when Datuk Seri Abu Zahar resigned from his position as an assistant officer with the Ministry of Education to enable him to contest for the Sungai Rambai District State Assembly seat.

Following that, on 15 September 1986, he was appointed as the Speaker of the Melaka State Assembly. He remained in the Speaker position until 1995. In 1994, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar was appointed as a Member of the State Executive Council with the position of Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Portfolio.

In 1995, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar won the general election for the Merlimau DUN constituency and was appointed to lead the Public Works and Development Portfolio until he was appointed to the position of Chief Minister of Melaka on 23 May 1997.

Regarding overseas visits, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar was also part of the delegation led by the Prime Minister, especially in order to introduce Melaka as a tourist and industrial destination.

Leadership traits exist in Datuk Seri Abu Zahar's soul because his brother Hj Ahmad Hj Isnin, his uncle Tan Sri Datuk Wira Datuk Aziz Tapa and his father-in-law Hj. Md. Jiddi are former representatives of the people. Exposure to politics and community activities since early schooling encouraged his spirit to lead the people.

As Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar has planned various long-term development programs for the state of Melaka. Among them is that he plans to make Melaka a "Knowledge Corridor" as Melaka was once the center of knowledge activities in the archipelago 500 years ago. To that end, he has provided all facilities such as adding educational institutions in Melaka. Several educational institutions that have been built and planned to be held in Melaka are the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM) Branch in Pengkalan Balak, Polytechnic in Merlimau, Yayasan Jasin, Manipal Medical College, Melaka Multimedia Institute and Aeronautical Engineering University in Batu Berendam.

Datuk Seri Abu Zahar also has future plans to develop Melaka to become a "City State". He intends to provide all infrastructure facilities such as water, electricity and roads to all residents in the state. He wants to ensure that all towns and villages are connected by a good and perfect road system.

He has planned and drafted development programs in his area such as the North-South Expressway Elevated Intersection Project worth approximately RM 40 million in Lipat Kajang, Jasin. The new corridor will develop an area of ​​9,200 hectares in Merlimau. This project will be a catalyst for the development of the Merlimau and Jasin areas in industry, tourism and the growth of new towns. He also plans to create a 274-acre Desa Wawasan to improve the standard of living of the people and the development of Desa Datuk Murad will be created in Merlimau. Job opportunities will also be created in Merlimau to improve the socio-economic status of the people.

Datuk Seri Abu Zahar also plans that by 2010, all the people of Melaka will enjoy water and electricity facilities. To improve water facilities, he has implemented a Jus Water Reservoir project in Jasin which is expected to be completed by 2001. This Jus Dam is capable of supplying water to the people of Melaka until 2007 or 2008. He also plans to add 2 plants that provide clean water supply, namely the Kampung Lancang plant in Merlimau and the New Plant in Kampung Gadek, Alor Gajah.

In addition, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar also wants to ensure that housing facilities for the people of Melaka are sufficient. Several housing projects are time under his leadership which has been and is currently under construction, including housing projects carried out by the Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM), the Melaka Customary Land Corporation (PERTAM), and private developers. In fact, he emphasized the low-cost housing projects being built because he wanted to help low-income people own homes.

Datuk Seri Abu Zahar also intends to make Melaka an excellent and advanced state in the field of information technology (IT). As the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad has stated that in the second phase of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) project, a process of communication will be carried out between the Central Administrative Center of Putrajaya and states that are excellent in the field of IT.

For that, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar has determined to make Melaka the first state contacted by Putrajaya. As an initial step, he has planned to equip the people of Melaka with information technology knowledge. He has designed his own Multimedia corridor project by planning to establish a multimedia institute which will be called the "Melaka Multimedia Institute (IMMM)". This institute will be able to provide Information Technology courses to Diploma and Degree level students.

In addition, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar has planned a Melaka Information Technology Corridor (MITC) project on an area of ​​120 hectares near the Krubong Industrial Park worth RM500 million. Through this project, the Melaka state government will advance in the field of information technology in line with the rapid progress in the Multimedia Corridor (MSC) in Cyberjaya. He is confident that the MITC project can make the Melaka government the future in the field of Information Technology. He also wants to make all state government departments fully electronically administered.

Apart from being active in politics, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar is also active in voluntary, youth and welfare bodies. He is also the Chairman of the Jasin District 4B Youth Association and the Treasurer of the Melaka State 4B Youth Association.

In the Scout Movement, he was the Jasin District Scout Commissioner and the Chairman of the Jasin District Scout Council and concurrently a Committee Member of the Melaka State Scout Council.

Datuk Seri Abu Zahar married Datin Khalijah bte Mohd. Jiddi, a housewife. As a result of their marriage, they were blessed with six children – Zalina, Roslaini, Marina, Zuraini, Mohd. Idi Iskandar and Khaidira.

In appreciation of his service and contributions, he was awarded the D.G.S.M. which brought the title of Datuk Seri in 1997, D.M.S.M. which brought the title of Datuk in 1987, and A.M.N. in 1983.

YAB DATUK SERI HAJI MOHD ALI MOHD RUSTAM NINTH CHIEF MINISTER OF MELAKA (3.12.1999- present)
Datuk Seri Hj Mohd Ali was born on 24 August 1949 in Kampung Bukit Katil, Melaka. He received his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Katil and Sekolah Kebangsaan Semabok until 1962. His secondary education was at Sekolah Tinggi Melaka until form five. In 1979, he obtained the Malaysian Higher Certificate of Education (STPM) privately and entered off-campus studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). In 1984, he successfully obtained a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Development Economics).

Before he contested the election and became a representative, he held several positions. His career began in 1969 as a clerk at the National Electricity Board (LLN) until 1979. In 1979, he was appointed Assistant Director of Kedah State Kemas and was promoted to the position of Director of Perlis State Kemas in 1980 because of his dedication to his duties. In 1981, he moved to the Federal Territory and held the same position and the following year was transferred to his native state as Director of Melaka State Kemas. In 1984, he was appointed Special Secretary to the Chief Minister of Melaka.

His political career began in 1969 after registering as a member of the Bukit Katil UMNO branch. A year later, he was appointed Secretary of the same branch of UMNO Youth because of his determination in fighting for the party. He was then appointed Head of the Bukit Katil branch Youth in 1972 and the following year as Secretary of UMNO. In 1977, he was elected as a Member of the Batu Berendam Division Youth Committee (AJK) until 1979. In 1983, he became the Batu Berendam Division UMNO Committee. His next position was Acting Secretary of UMNO Melaka State Liaison. In 1986, he was elected as Head of the UMNO Branch. From 1988 to 1996, he was the Secretary of UMNO Negeri Liaison Melaka and Batu Berendam Division UMNO Chief since 1987 until now. From 1996 to 1999, he was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of Melaka State UMNO Liaison. In 2000, he was appointed as the Chairman of Melaka State UMNO Liaison until now. He was appointed (during Datuk Najib and Yusuf Nor) as a member of the UMNO Malaysia Training Bureau, Information Bureau, Economic Bureau, UMNO Malaysia Youth (during Datuk Ghani Othman).

In the 1986 Election, he won the Ayer Molek State Legislative Assembly seat and was later appointed as the Chairman of the Housing, Environment and Local Government Portfolio of Melaka (Exco).

His commitment to the party was so strong that he was once again given the trust to contest in the 1990 election as the Sungai Udang State Assemblyman and won it well. He was later appointed as a Melaka State Government EXCO Member to hold the position of Chairman of the State Committee for Industrial Development, Science and Technology. Apart from that, he was also the Deputy Chairman of the Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM) from 1990 to 1995. In 1995, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Transport of Malaysia until 8 January 1999 and was later appointed as the Deputy Minister of Health of Malaysia.

In the 1999 election, he contested in the Paya Rumput assemblyman's constituency and won it brilliantly. Subsequently, he was appointed as the new Chief Minister of Melaka replacing Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Haji Isnin who was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Datuk Wira Mohd. Ali was given full authority to lead the state administration and develop the state of Melaka.

When the Barisan Nasional (BN) government under the leadership of Datuk Wira Mohd. Ali took over the leadership of the state of Melaka at the end of 1999, he together with other BN political friends and government officials have worked hard and strived hard to improve the level of services to the people and accelerate the development of this beloved Melaka towards achieving the goal of making Melaka a developed state by 2010, which is 10 years earlier than the Vision 2020 mission. Realizing the fact that Melaka is not rich in natural resources, he has been determined to improve the economy of the state of Hang Tuah through the promotion of tourism, industry and construction. He also emphasized development in the spiritual and physical fields so that it is balanced with the development of the state of Melaka.

The tourism sector is a major sector in the State of Melaka. The effects of historical relics and the uniqueness of Melaka with its cultural diversity are the main assets of tourist attraction. He certainly knows that Melaka is a state that is so rich in historical treasures, especially the effects of the relics of the Melaka Malay Sultanate, the legacy of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialism. Therefore, he wants to make Melaka the main attraction center and the number one tourist destination in Malaysia. He is very confident that Melaka can offer a variety of products and interesting places for tourists both domestically and internationally.

To improve the Melaka tourism sector, he has launched a campaign to visit Melaka with the motto "Visiting Historical Melaka Means Visiting Malaysia" which is his core and goal to make this state a unique place that is worth visiting by all tourists. He has launched a large-scale promotional campaign involving cooperation between state government agencies and the private sector in Melaka at the Melaka Tourism Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Singapore, Pekan Baru, South Sumatra, China, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. In conjunction with the tourism campaign, he has introduced nine main tourism sub-sectors in Melaka, namely historical tourism, culture, recreation, sports, conventions, shopping, education, health and agrotourism.

Efforts to list Melaka as a World Heritage City on the UNESCO World Heritage List are also being actively implemented to make this state a major tourist destination for foreign tourists. With the increase in tourists to Melaka, the state's economy will increase through increased job opportunities in the service sector as well as multiplier effects on other sectors such as the handicraft industry, hospitality, catering, restaurants and others. He is confident that the contribution of this tourism sector can increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after the programs and strategies formulated by this government are implemented.

Meanwhile, persistent and aggressive efforts to attract foreign investors to open factories and increase investments in new and technological fields can ggi also intensified efforts to make Melaka a major industrial state in Malaysia. In fact, the establishment of the Melaka World Trade Center (MITC) can help entrepreneurs in Melaka to market their products more productively. In addition, he also plans to hold an International Trade Expo in Melaka every year to ensure that more foreign and domestic companies participate in the expo to market their respective products. In fact, he also held an investment promotion delegation visit abroad to attract foreign investors to invest in Melaka. His desire to make Melaka an industrial state with the aim of creating job opportunities and improving the economy of the people of Melaka is increasingly showing excellent achievements even though he has just led the government of the State of Melaka.

In the construction sector, he continues to give priority to the housing sector, especially the provision of sufficient and quality low-cost public houses that can be purchased by low-income groups, which are between RM1,000.00 and RM1,500.00 per month. His ambition to create the concept of one family, one house will certainly be achieved, as well as being able to create close relationships between housing developers and agencies related to this industry.

The agricultural sector, which covers approximately 128,000 hectares of land in the state, also attracted his attention to be cultivated with crops and livestock. He believes that if these agricultural resources are used optimally in a more systematic, commercial, efficient and competitive manner, the state's income will certainly increase. The agricultural development strategy focuses more on viable sub-sectors, diversifying agricultural activities, especially for abandoned rice fields, enhancing downstream agricultural industry activities, streamlining the marketing system, developing agro-tourism and promoting integrated agriculture.

Based on this strategy, an Agricultural Development Action Plan that focuses specifically on five main sub-sectors, namely crops, livestock, fisheries and food processing and marketing, has been implemented. He also paid attention to the production of fruits, namely the 'Melaka Delite' mango which will reach an area of ​​2,000 hectares in the Eighth Malaysia Plan (RMK-8). He believed that Melaka would become a state that could supply mangoes not only for the local market but also for export.

To ensure that agricultural yields in Melaka can be increased, efforts to overcome flooding and irrigate agricultural areas continue to be implemented by building bridges and culverts in agricultural areas and providing better irrigation and drainage infrastructure so that farmers do not face problems.

Thanks to the sincerity and commitment of all parties, many positive results have been obtained and the level of government services under the leadership of Datuk Wira Mohd.Ali has improved and the state's economic tempo is moving more and more briskly and rapidly so that it can improve the quality of life of the people. For him, this matter is very important to make Melaka a developed state in 2010. For that, he does not have much time to waste and have fun because there are many other things that need to be done to prosper this state. There are many more poor and needy people who should be helped and defended. Therefore, he decided to make Friday a Welfare Day to ensure the welfare and well-being of the people are guaranteed. A Welfare Fund to help the people of this state who have experienced a disaster was also established.

In the field of education, he was very determined to make Melaka a corridor of knowledge. He launched the State Education Fund to provide educational loan facilities for Melaka children who successfully entered Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA). His determination to make Melaka a center of knowledge can be seen when the state government successfully obtained approval from the Federal Government to build a public university in Melaka, namely the Melaka Technical University which began its academic session in June 2001.

To ensure that Islamic preaching activities in this state also run more effectively, he established the Melaka State Dakwah Trust Fund to support dakwah activities throughout the state which includes assistance to support the construction of suraus, holding courses, talks, forums, seminars, workshops and worship tents.

Datuk Seri Mohd.Ali is the only Chief Minister of Melaka who introduced a special program with the people, namely "jogging with leaders" which is held every week. The jogging event was carried out with the aim of making the people of the state aware of the importance of tapa the importance of health care. In fact, the most important thing from this program, he hopes that such activities can bring leaders closer to the people.

This program not only involves local people but also foreign tourists who visit Melaka.

Apart from political activities, he is also active in the youth movement whether at the state, national or international level. He has made many changes and reforms, especially in the 4B Youth Movement (GB4B).

His involvement in the youth movement began in 1968, when he was a clerk at the LLN. Starting as a member of the GB4B Bukit Katil branch committee (AJK), he was later appointed the Head of the GB4B Bukit Katil branch and later as the Chairman of the GB4B Batu Berendam area. He knows a lot of things and is a hard worker and is always ready for what he wants to do. As an active youth worker, he is very concerned about any position he holds. Although he did not receive any remuneration for working under any youth organization, he worked hard and volunteered in carrying out the tasks entrusted to him.

In addition, he was a pioneer group from Malaysia in the Malaysia-Canada Youth Exchange program in 1973. He also attended the “The Right of The Prisoners of War” conference in Iraq in 1990. From 1986 to 1994, he was appointed Chairman of the Malacca Youth Association Council (MGBM) and then in 1988, he was elected President of Malaysia Youth until 1990. In the same year, he was elected Vice President of the ‘World Assembly of Youth’ (WAY) and in 1993, he was appointed President of WAY ​​until now. In 1994, he was appointed President of the 4B Youth Movement Malaysia until now.

He married Datin Asmah bte Abd. Rahman and was blessed with three children, two boys and a girl.

In memory of his contributions, he was awarded the following medals: D.C.S.M. with the title of Datuk Wira in 1995, D.M.S.M. with the title of Datuk in 1990, D.S.M. in 1989 and P.B.M. in 1979.