Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil has been named Penang’s new state secretary, replacing Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long who wrapped up a two-year tenure marked by sweeping bureaucratic reform.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced the appointment of Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil, 58, effective Monday 3 August. Jafri was previously deputy director-general (Analysis) at the Research Division of the Prime Minister’s Department.
The Star reported that Shamsul Azri described Jafri as holding a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, with 32 years of experience spanning research, policy, strategic planning and disaster management operations.
“He has extensive experience in research, policy and strategic planning, as well as disaster management operations spanning 32 years,” Shamsul Azri said in a statement on Monday.
Jafri’s career includes stints at the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). His appointment signals the federal government’s emphasis on security and disaster management expertise in state administration.
Shamsul Azri expressed confidence that Jafri’s expertise and leadership would enable him to steer the Penang state administration, drive the state’s development agenda and strengthen strategic cooperation between the federal and state governments.
Jafri takes over from Zulkifli Long, 60, who completed his tenure on Sunday 2 August after being appointed to the post in September 2024. Zulkifli plans to spend time with family and is considering writing a book to document his career in public service.
Zulkifli’s time in office reshaped Penang’s civil service. He introduced the Bureaucratic Red-Tape Reform (RKB), which cut development process approval times from 108 days to 36 to 38 days and delivered compliance cost savings exceeding RM2.4 billion for completed projects.
In an exclusive interview, Zulkifli told Bernama the reform was born from personal frustration at a district office, where he received poor treatment until an officer recognised him. “The experience left a deep impression on me,” he said.
Under his watch, Penang state government revenue surpassed RM1 billion for the first time in 2025, with the state recording a surplus of nearly RM200 million despite tabling a budget with an expected deficit. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised Zulkifli’s leadership, citing high-impact projects planned and executed during his tenure.
With Jafri’s appointment, Penang gains a state secretary steeped in federal security and disaster management experience, as the state looks to sustain the momentum Zulkifli built over two years.
