Guan Dee takes oath as Federal Deputy Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16  -- Senator Datuk Guan Dee Koh Hoi 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 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 Dr Ronald Kiandee.

Meanwhile, Guan Dee, when met after the ceremony, confirmed that he was appointed Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

"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 revitalize the tourism sector, which is one of the sectors affected by COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office in a statement today said that Guan Dee’s appointment as Deputy Federal Minister was consented 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 Dr Jeffry G Kitingan, who stepped down from the post after being sworn in as Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II and Sabah Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on Sept 29, 2020.

-- BERNAMA