MELAKA, Nov 15 – Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh has returned to lead Melaka as Chief Minister for a second term. His appointment marks another milestone in a career that began in business before moving into politics.
The 65-year-old leader has built decades of experience in business, party leadership and state administration. Moreover, his latest appointment follows Barisan Nasional’s (BN) strong performance in the 16th Melaka State Election.
Ab Rauf Yusoh’s Early Life and Education
Born on September 20, 1961, Ab Rauf comes from Masjid Tanah, Melaka.
He completed his studies at the MARA Skills Institute (IKM) in 1978. Later, he continued developing his knowledge of business and management.
In 2023, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom.
In addition, he completed postgraduate studies in Business Administration at the Kuala Lumpur International Education Consortium. He also earned a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma from the London Examinations Board in the same year.
More recently, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) awarded him a Doctor of Business Administration through its APEL.Q pathway. He began the programme in 2024.
From Corporate Leadership to Politics
Before entering politics, Ab Rauf established himself as an entrepreneur and corporate professional.
He began his business career at 24. In 1985, he founded Asia Lab Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Later, he gained experience in information technology while working with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) from 1993 to 1997.
He also served on the boards of Europlus Berhad and Talam Corporation Berhad between 1998 and 2007.
These roles helped shape his experience in business management and corporate leadership.
Ab Rauf’s Political Career in UMNO
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf began building his political career through UMNO’s grassroots organisation.
He served as Dataran Merdeka UMNO branch chief from 1995 until 2013.
He later became assistant secretary of UMNO Youth from 2003 to 2004. Subsequently, he served as UMNO Malaysia executive secretary between 2009 and 2018.
In 2013, he became Masjid Tanah UMNO Division chief, a position he continues to hold.
Furthermore, he has led the Melaka UMNO and BN Liaison Committees since 2018.
His growing political experience eventually opened the door to state administration. As a result, he became Speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly for the 2020–2021 term.
From Tanjung Bidara Assemblyman to Chief Minister
Ab Rauf secured his first victory in Tanjung Bidara during the 2021 Melaka State Election.
He defeated Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Zainal Hassan.
Following his election victory, he continued strengthening his role in the state government.
On March 31, 2023, Ab Rauf took his oath as Melaka’s 13th Chief Minister before Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.
He succeeded Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, who had resigned from the position.
Ab Rauf Retains Tanjung Bidara in Melaka Election 2026
In the latest Melaka State Election on November 14, Ab Rauf successfully defended his Tanjung Bidara seat.
He defeated PH candidate Yunazri Mustamiri in a straight fight, winning by a majority of 8,615 votes.
Meanwhile, BN and PN secured more than a two-thirds majority in the 28-seat state assembly.
The election result allowed the coalition to retain control of Melaka’s administration.
With his second term now underway, Ab Rauf continues his political journey after decades of experience in business and public leadership.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
