Abdul Rahman was first appointed to the governorship by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in May 2001 and was reappointed six times, in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 for a total of 20 years, thus becoming the longest-serving governor in Malaysian history.

[1] Tun Abdul Rahman studied at Permatang Sintok Malay School in Kepala Batas and Sultan Idris Teachers College in Tanjong Malim before attending a teaching course at the Language Institute, Kuala Lumpur.

He was an Exco member of the party's UMNO Youth wing (1975–1979) and held the position of Kepala Batas Division Treasurer from 1995 to his appointment as Governor.

During the four terms he served, Abdul Rahman was also a member of the state executive council under Chief Minister Lim Chong Eu.

Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Dato' Seri Utama Hajah Majimor binti Shariff has been awarded :[7] She holds currently the title of "Toh Puan Dato' Seri Utama" by combination of the female form "Toh Puan" connected to her husband's highest Federal Malaysian title "Tun" (SMN) and her highest Penang title "Dato' Seri Utama" (DUPN)