In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Abbas is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Abdul Rahman. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Abdul Rahman joined UMNO after ending his career in teaching. He was an exco member of the party's Youth wing (1975–1979) and held the position of Kepala Batas division treasurer from 1995 to his appointment as governor.
He holds currently the title of "Tun Dato' Seri Utama" by combination of his highest Federal Malaysian title "Tun" (SMN) and his highest Penang title "Dato' Seri Utama" (DUPN).
In other states of Malaysia, a similar combination between his highest Federal Malaysian title "Tun" (SMN) and his local highest title may be used. Example : Tun Datuk Seri Panglima in Sabah.
Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Dato' Seri Utama Hajah Majimor binti Shariff has been awarded :[7]
Titles
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)