Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil became the new Penang state secretary on August 3, 2026, after Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long retired the day before on August 2 [1, 2, 3]. Jafri, 58, steps into the role following Zulkifli's tenure which began in September 2024 [1, 2].
Before his appointment, Jafri served as deputy director-general (Analysis) at the Research Division in the Prime Minister's Department [1, 2, 3]. He has over three decades of experience in research, policy, strategic planning, and disaster management operations, having worked at agencies like Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan), and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) [1, 2, 3]. Sources differ slightly on his exact years of civil service, with most citing 32 years and one noting 28 years [1, 2, 3].
Jafri holds a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK [1, 2, 3]. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Chief Secretary to the Government, announced the appointment and praised Jafri’s qualifications and experience. He said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Jafri, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom” and added that “he has extensive experience in research, policy and strategic planning, as well as disaster management operations spanning 32 years” [2].
Tan Sri Shamsul further expressed confidence in Jafri’s ability to lead, stating, “I am confident that with his expertise, experience and leadership capability, he will be able to lead the Penang state government administration with excellence, drive the state's development agenda, and strengthen synergy and strategic relations between the federal and state governments for the continuous benefit of the people” [3].
Jafri’s appointment ends the brief tenure of Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, who served as Penang state secretary from September 2024 until his retirement in August 2026 [1, 2]. The transition marks a key administrative update for the Penang state government.
