Tun Datuk Seri Utama Syed Ahmad Al-Haj bin Syed Mahmud Shahabudin was appointed as fifth Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Melaka on 4th December 1984 to 31st May 2004. During 20 years of his service as Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, four Chief Minister has served under his administration, namely Tan Sri Hj. Abdul Rahim bin Datuk Tamby Chik (26th April 1982-13th October 1994), Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Zin bin Hj. Abd Ghani (14th October 1994-14th May 1997), Datuk Seri Abu Zahar bin Hajj Monday (24th May 1997-1st December 1999) And Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam (2nd December 1999 till currently).