Sabah swears in three assistant ministers after cabinet rejig

KOTA KINABALU – Three new assistant ministers took their oaths before Sabah’s head of state Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Seri Kinabalu here today.

The appointment of assistant ministers was to fill two positions left vacant by Datuk James Ratib, former state assistant agriculture and fisheries minister who is now state community development and people’s well-being minister, and Datuk Jasnih Daya who relinquished the assistant finance minister post.

“I have appointed Datuk Ruslan Muharam of PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah) as assistant minister to the chief minister, whereas Peto Galim and Tan Lee Fatt from Pakatan Harapan will assume their roles as assistant agriculture and fisheries minister, and assistant finance minister, respectively,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Four current assistant ministers involved in the portfolio exchange are Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah (rural development), Datuk Harun Durabi (science, technology, and innovation), Datuk Fairuz Renddan (youth and sports), and Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (industrial development). 

“Today’s appointments and reshuffle of assistant ministers is a continuing effort to consolidate and strengthen the government administration,” Hajiji added.

Ruddy and Fairuz are from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah while Harun and Andi Suryady are from Umno.

“I have stressed the importance for the state government under my leadership to function as a cohesive team who share the same aspirations built on mutual trust and respect.

“We need a strong team to push our development momentum and to fulfil our election pledges for the people and state.” – The Vibes, January 26, 2023