17 new assistant ministers sworn in at Istana Seri Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 2): Seventeen new assistant ministers, who include four independent assemblymen, were sworn in at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Tuesday in a ceremony officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Musa Aman.

The new appointees represent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), STARSabah and independent assemblymen. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and members of the State Cabinet were present to witness the occasion.

Among those who took their oaths were Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (GRS); Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah (GRS-Pitas); Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (GRS-Klias); Datuk Samad Jamri (GRS-Labuk); Datuk Limus Jury (GRS-Kuala Penyu); Datuk Ruslan Muharam (GRS-Lumadan); Datuk Hendrus Anding (GRS-Tandek); and Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum (GRS-Telupid).

Other appointees included Datuk Juil Nuatim (GRS-Limbahau), Datuk Ben Chong (GRS-Tanjung Kapor), Datuk Fairuz Renddan (Ind-Pintasan), Datuk Rina Jainal (Ind-Kukusan), Datuk Maijol Mahap (Ind-Bandau), Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun (GRS), Dr. Andi Md. Samsureezal (GRS-Tanjong Batu), Jordan Jude Ellron (Ind-Tulid), and Mohd. Ishak Ayub (STARSabah-Bingkor).

The press statement from the Media and Communication Office of the Chief Minister’s Department did not specify which portfolios the assistant ministers would serve, leaving observers awaiting further clarification.

Although STARSabah remains in opposition, it is unclear why one of its assemblymen, Mohd Ishak Ayub from Tulid, has been included in the cabinet.

Notably, Mohd Ishak Ayub is also the nephew of Tun Dr Musa Aman.

assistant ministers Sabah state election swearing in ceremony