Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim is flanked by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) and Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman. – Bernama photo
KOTA KINABALU (Dec 17): Sabah leaders have congratulated Tun Musa Aman for being appointed as the 11th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah and conferred the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara award by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara on Tuesday.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah chairman cum UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick, PKR Sabah liaison chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, DAP Sabah chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and Amanah Sabah chairman Lahirul Latigu conveyed their highest congratulations.
In a joint statement, PH Sabah also records its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Tun Juhar Mahiruddin for his service as the 10th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah.
Meanwhile, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, also Papar MP, congratulated Musa and expressed hope that he would continue serving religion, the people, and the nation with excellence.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah information chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan prayed that Musa would be blessed with good health to shoulder his responsibilities with utmost dedication and integrity for the beloved state of Sabah.
The president of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), Tan Sri T.C Goh, also warmly welcomes and congratulates Musa and pledges allegiance to the office of the Head of State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Goh is also the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), expressed confidence that with his extensive experience as Sabah’s former Chief Minister and with the full support and cooperation of the state government, Musa would be able to lead Sabah more rapidly and systematically toward achieving the vision of progress and prosperity (SMJ), ensuring peace and prosperity for the people.
He emphasized that maintaining political stability and fostering unity among all people under the framework of constitutional monarchy and democracy remained top priorities in governance and development processes of Sabah.
Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Sabah and Labuan, also described 73-year-old Musa as a leader with a wealth of experience in politics and governance.
Born on March 30, 1951, in Beaufort, south of Kota Kinabalu, Musa holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Edith Cowan University in Australia. He served as the State Assemblyman for Sungai Sibuga for six terms (1994–2020) and held various key positions, including Sabah Finance Minister, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, and Malaysia’s Honorary Consul to Bangladesh.
On March 27, 2003, he was sworn in as Sabah’s 14th Chief Minister, succeeding Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, and served five consecutive terms until May 12, 2018, making him Sabah’s longest-serving Chief Minister to date.
Goh said these accomplishments demonstrated Musa as a leader with profound experience in governance and leadership.
Musa’s appointment as the 11th Head of State of Sabah, under Article 1 of the Sabah Constitution, will commence on January 1, 2025, and lasts until December 31, 2028. He succeeded the current Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, whose term ends on December 31 this year.
Goh also extended his highest respect and gratitude to Juhar.
He noted that 71-year-old Juhar, who previously served as a Member of Parliament, Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, and Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, was appointed as Sabah’s 10th Head of State on January 1, 2011. He has served four terms over 14 years, making him the longest-serving Head of State in Sabah’s history.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Juhar for his outstanding contributions during his tenure, particularly to the nation, Sabah, and its people, leaving an indelible mark on history.
The Sabah State Farmers’ Organization (PPN) also congratulates Musa.
Its chairman, Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdullah, said that the appointment is warmly welcomed by Sabah’s farmers as Musa has made significant contributions to the development of Sabah during his tenure as Chief Minister.
“During his time holding the position and as State Finance Minister, the state’s reserves grew significantly. Additionally, the state’s revenue continued to increase year after year under Musa’s leadership,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mohd Nazri added, “As a fellow villager from the same district of Beaufort, and given the strong historical ties between Musa’s late father and my late father, I am confident that Sabah will continue to prosper under Musa’s stewardship as the new Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah.
Chairman of the Sinakagon Aki Goong Family Day 2018, Jainus Rayner Lian Ginanda, representing the Sayat-Sayat Aki Goong, extends his heartfelt congratulations on the appointment of Musa.
Earlier, in early 2018, Musa, who was then the Chief Minister of Sabah, officiated the family day, which was attended by more than 4,000 members of the Aki Goong family in the Bingkor area.
Jainus, along with the Aki Goong Family Community, also prays for Musa to be granted strength, wisdom and good health to continue guiding the State of Sabah towards progress, prosperity and success.
Malaysia United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) Sabah region acting president, Faezrah Rizalman, expressed disappointment on the appointment of Musa.
Faezrah reminded that the appointment was an important decision that mirrors the values we want to build in the State institution and the hopes of the people towards leadership with integrity.
“But this decision raise a big question: is Sabah, with so many distinguished leaders, lacking in individuals to fill this responsibility?”
Faezrah added that a Sabah Head of State should serve as the guardian of institutional honour, a symbol of stability, and a representation of the people’s aspirations.
“This decision reflects the government’s failure to uphold the principles that are the people’s foremost demand in Sabah. GRS and PH Sabah, who have long prided themselves as champions of integrity and governance, are now seen to remain silent on such an issue. This stance only strengthens the perception that their principles are mere political rhetoric without genuine commitment to the people,” he said in a statement.
He added that MUDA Sabah respects the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in making this decision.
“However, the political responsibility of providing advice lies entirely with the Chief Minister of Sabah. Sabah needs decisions that are transparent, accountable and based on the people’s interests, not mere political expediency.”
“MUDA Sabah calls on leaders, including GRS and PH, to clarify their stance and reassess their commitment to the principles of integrity and justice. Sabah needs leadership that is courageous, visionary and loyal to the people to ensure this state continues to advance with dignity.”
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