Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Abdul Razak is one of Malaysia’s most distinguished statesmen, diplomat, and proud alumnus of High School Bukit Mertajam (HSBM). Born in Sungai Bakap, Penang, Tun Fuzi began his education at Stowell School and later continued at HSBM before graduating from the University of Malaya.
He joined the Malaysian Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 1972, rising through the ranks to become Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representing Malaysia in key international missions and summits, including the NAM, OIC and ASEAN gatherings.
In May 2021, Tun Fuzi was appointed as the 8th Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Penang, serving until April 2025. His leadership reflects his lifelong commitment to public service, diplomacy, and advancing Malaysia’s standing on the global stage.
Beyond his distinguished civil service, he has held leadership positions in business and international forums, including as Secretary-General of the World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation and chairman or board member of major corporations and institutions.
Tun Ahmad Fuzi’s remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to education, community, and nation make him a respected leader and inspirational role model for all HSBM alumni. We are honoured to have him serve as the Patron of the HSBM Alumni, guiding and supporting our community as we embark on our centennial journey towards 2027 and beyond.
He was born on 10 August 1947 in Ceruk Tok Kun, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Anwar means ‘shining’. His father, Datuk Haji Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, is a former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, while his mother, Che Yan Abdul Hamid Hussein, is an orator for the UMNO Women’s Movement. As a child, he often accompanied his mother to women’s lectures. On 26 February 1980, he married Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Datuk Ismail, a student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, who later worked at the eye clinic at the University Hospital in Petaling Jaya. His marriage to Datin Seri Wan Azizah was blessed with six children. His eldest son, Nurul Izzah, was once appointed as a Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, and Permatang Pauh.
During his childhood, he attended Bukit Mertajam Boys School in Penang for his primary education. He then continued his secondary school studies at Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) from 1960 to 1966. While at MCKK, he actively participated in the Malay Language Association and became the school’s orator. He also served as the Chief Supervisor of MCKK. He was acquainted with individuals such as Sanusi Junid, Kamaruddin Jaafar, and Yahaya Ahmad. In 1967, he pursued higher studies at the University of Malaya, specializing in Malay Studies (Literature).
