For Farizan, it pays to take the middle path
Farizan is the longest-serving state secretary, hands over to Abdul Razak Jaafar from Negri Sembilan.
On his last day as Penang state secretary, Farizan Darus said he survived when sandwiched between the state and federal governments because he was apolitical.
Farizan, 60, who served as state secretary from 2011, admitted there was pressure during his work as the state was then a new government under Pakatan Harapan (formerly Pakatan Rakyat).
The federal government was then helmed by BN who lost power in the general election in May last year.
"It's history now and I admit there was some pressure but as long we are not involved in any political decision, we can manage," Farizan (above) said, when asked how he survived being caught in the middle of two ruling coalitions.
"We can as long as we are not inclined to any political party," he added.
"There were rumours I was an Umno man but until today, I am not registered with any political party," Farizan said.
"But tomorrow, I don't know," he jested.
Asked if there were any unfinished work that he wants the new state secretary to complete, Farizan said: "Yes, there are 147 pages to follow up with."
During his 26 years of service, Farizan has survived four chief ministers, six welfare department directors, five prison directors, and five police chiefs.
"The only one who beat me is Penang Governor Abdul Rahman Abbas, who is still in service up to today."
He later thanked everyone, especially the state executive council, elected representatives and media for making his work an "enjoyment, although there were ups and down".
He advised the media to be "fair in reporting" and told the civil service to be prepared for reforms from their new boss.
Asked how he felt today, Farizan replied: "I am happy and sad, that is the reality."
He is the longest-serving state secretary, while others moved on after an average of four years.
"I could not have done it alone, it was teamwork from colleagues and staff," said Farizan.
In a press conference at Dewan Sri Pinang in Georgetown today, he handed over his role to Abdul Razak Jaafar, 56, who hails from Kuala Pilah.
Abdul Razak (above) is a graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Communications) and has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Development from Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Having joined the Public Services Department as administration and diplomatic officer on Dec 1, 1992, Abdul Razak has served in the field for 27 years.
He previously served as the Kuala Langat District Council president and also at the Prime Minister's Office director of home security section, local council and land development, public and private corporation unit.
He was also division secretary (finance) of the defense minister and deputy head secretary (development) at the Public Works Ministry.
Witnessing the transfer of duties, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described today as "historical", adding it was difficult for him to express proper words about Farizan.
Chow said Penang will feel the loss of a respected and much-loved leader, whose integrity was the backbone to quality and productivity needed to achieve the state's ''mission and vision".
"As state secretary, Farizan raised the name of the state administration and brought success in various fields," said the chief minister.
"The 26 years in Penang was not easy but he managed to overcome this journey well," Chow said.
He then congratulated Farizan on a job well done, saying memories of his days in the Penang government will be cherished.
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