[UPDATED] Sabah appoints two new GLC heads from Umno, DAP after political crisis

KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah government has appointed new heads to its state government-linked companies (GLC) following a recent political crisis that involved a failed coup by Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN).

Datuk Yusof Yacob of Umno has been appointed chairman of the state government’s investment arm, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, with immediate effect.   

Yusof took over the position from Usukan assemblyman and fellow party colleague Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, who was removed from the post last Friday.

Yusof, who is Sindumin assemblyman, received his letter of appointment from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in a brief ceremony at his office in Menara Kinabalu here today. 

State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong were present. 

Hajiji also presented an appointment letter to Tanjung Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon as chairman of Sabah Development Bhd (SDB). 

The Sabah DAP chief’s appointment is also effective immediately. 

Poon’s post in SDB was previously held by Hajiji. 

Congratulating Yusof and Poon on their appointments, Hajiji said he hoped they would be able to contribute to the growth of the state-owned companies. 

Poon, in a statement today, described his new position as a “heavy and huge responsibility”. 

He said SDB had given dividends and contributions to the Sabah government amounting to RM20 million. 

“I will do my best to be better, or at least (be) equal,” he said, thanking Hajiji for the trust and confidence in his appointment.

The political crisis a week ago saw Sabah BN pull support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government.

It was speculated that Sabah BN and Warisan would join forces to form a new government.

Sabah BN, Warisan, and smaller party KDM, claimed Hajiji had lost legitimacy to be chief minister. 

Hajiji maintained his majority, with 44 assemblymen out of 79 seats in the Sabah assembly.

He reshuffled the state cabinet, dropping Sabah BN chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and other Umno assemblymen who went against him, but gave positions to other Umno lawmakers who disobeyed Bung’s call to withdraw support.

The reshuffle also left out Warisan and KDM, but brought in Pakatan Harapan (PH) reps, namely Poon and Sabah PH chairman Datuk Christina Liew. – The Vibes, January 13, 2023