In 1977, he was elected as the governor of West Sumatra, following the end of Harun Zain's term. He served as governor for two terms, from 1977 until 1987. As governor, he was known for his religiosity and was popular among many West Sumatrans. After leaving the office of governor, he continued to serve in government. In 1988, he was appointed minister of transportation and later he was appointed the General Chair of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) in 1991. Two years later, Azwar was appointed coordinating minister for people's welfare, before eventually leaving government in 1998.
Death
Azwar Anas died of respiratory illness in the CICU of Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital, Central Jakarta, on March 5 2023, at 11.42 WIB at the age of 89 years after undergoing treatment for two months.[2] His body was buried with a military ceremony the next day at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery led by Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono.[3]
^"Azwar Anas: Pencetus Gebu Minang" [Azwar Anas: The originator of Gebu Minang]. www.tokohindonesia.com (Website) (in Indonesian). 21 November 2006. Archived from the original on 21 November 2006. Retrieved 16 December 2021.