Dato’ Yahaya bin Ali graduated with a Diploma In Public Administration from Mara Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1982 and Master Degree in Islamic Study from Open University of Malaysia (MOU) in 2021. Currently he is doing Phd in Political Science at UniSZA.

He served as Administrative Officer at Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah (Ketengah) from 1982 to 1984 and holding the same position at Permint Plywood Sdn Bhd, a Subsidiary Company of Permint , from 1984 to 1986.

He served as a Terengganu State Assemblyman from 1995 until 2004. He was elected as State Excecutive Councillor (Exco) from 1999 to 2004. From 2018 to 2023 he was elected as Speaker of State Legislative Assembly.

He was a Chairman of various GLC include Kemaman Supply Base (KSB) Sdn Bhd, Permint Engineering Sdn Bhd and Top IT Sdn Bhd from 1999 to 2004. He was also a Board Member of EPIC at that time.

As of 1 April 2024, Dato’ Yahaya assumes the role of Chairman at Golden Pharos Berhad. His extensive background in public administration and corporate governance makes him a valuable addition to the company’s leadership team.