KUALA LUMPUR – Senator Datuk Guan Dee took the oath of office as a deputy federal minister before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today.
Guan Dee, who is also Sabah’s Party Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) secretary-general, took the oath of office at a ceremony at Istana Negara here.
The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.
Meanwhile, Guan Dee, when met after the ceremony, confirmed that he was appointed deputy tourism, arts and culture minister.
“I thank Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for giving this opportunity for Star to be in the federal cabinet,” he said and expressed his hope to revitalise the tourism sector, one of the hardest-hit sectors by Covid-19.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement today said Guan Dee’s appointment was consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Clause (1) Article 43A of the federal constitution.
He was appointed to the post to replace Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who stepped down from the post after being sworn in as Sabah deputy chief minister II and Sabah agriculture and fisheries minister on September 29, last year. – Bernama, April 16, 2021
