Ahmadshah Abdullah


Ahmadshah bin Abdullah was a Malaysian civil servant who served as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of the state of Sabah from 2003 to 2010. He was a Pro-Chancellor of MARA University of Technology.

Education

Ahmadshah began his education at Government Primary School Darau, Menggatal in 1952 and ended his secondary school session in 1967 at La Salle Secondary School, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. He received a Diploma in Development Administration from South Devon College in the United Kingdom and Bachelor of Science from Indiana State University in the United States.

Career

Ahmadshah started his career as a customs officer at the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Kota Kinabalu on 1 March 1968. He was appointed Executive Officer and was moved to Beaufort District Office as Assistant District Officer on 10 November 1969. He was seconded to the National Paddy and Rice Board as Chief Officer from April 1979 until July 1983.
He also worked as Secretary of State Public Service Commission, Dakwah Officer of Sabah Islamic Affairs Council, Secretary of the Islamic Council of Sabah, Secretary of Internal Affairs and Research Office and Director of the State Public Service Department. He served as Deputy State Secretary from 21 March 1998 to 8 December 2002.
On 1 January 2003, he was sworn in as the ninth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah. He served two full terms and stepped down on 31 December 2010.

Personal life and death

Ahmadshah was married to Hajah Dayang Masuyah binti Awang Japar and the couple were blessed with three sons and a daughter as well as nine grandchildren.
Ahmadshah died in Kota Kinabalu on 20 May 2025, at the age of 78.

Honours

Honours of Malaysia