By Aidalina Mahili

In the quiet moments away from the demands of public office, Tun Musa Aman is a husband, father and steadfast believer in family values. His life, often scrutinised by the public eye, is equally defined by the deep bonds he shares with his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Haji Tussin, and their children. To those who know him well, Musa’s leadership is inseparable from his commitment to the principles of unity and compassion, values nurtured within the warmth of his own home. These are the same values that have shaped his ability to lead Sabah, a state as vibrant and diverse as it is challenging.

When Musa took the stage at Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s 25th convocation, the moment was less about the formalities of the award and more about the silent acknowledgment of a journey. The honorary doctorate in economic development he received was a recognition of a career that, though shaped by politics, was always driven by something deeper, a commitment to the long-term prosperity of his home state.

Grounded, selfless and resolute

For those who have followed his career, it was a fitting tribute to a leader whose legacy was woven into the very fabric of Sabah's development. Revered for his long-standing leadership, Musa humbly shared the accolade with those who helped him bring his vision to fruition, including his former Cabinet members, political allies and the dedicated civil servants who worked alongside him.

“This is not just my achievement,” he said, his voice steady with conviction, “but the collective effort of everyone who stood with me.”

His words were a testament to the kind of man he is, grounded, selfless and resolute. These attributes speak of a leader whose actions reflect a profound dedication to the people he serves, demonstrating that true leadership is not about personal glory but about lifting those around him.

Musa’s commitment to Sabah’s future began long before his tenure as chief minister, dating back to 1994 when he assumed leadership of Yayasan Sabah.

His passion for education, he explained, was sparked by the stark realisation that Sabah was lagging in educational and developmental standards compared to other states. To him, education was not merely a pillar of personal success, but the very foundation upon which the state’s future could be built.

Musa, often referred to as the ‘Economic Development Architect of Sabah’, has long believed that economic growth and educational reform are deeply connected. His tenure as a leader, spanning from 2003 to 2018, was marked by his focus on cultivating human capital through strategic investments in quality education infrastructure.

As the ceremony unfolded, Musa urged the next generation of graduates to embrace a mindset of continuous growth.

“Learning doesn’t stop with a degree,” he remarked. “It is a lifelong process. Strive for improvement, don’t settle for what’s already been achieved.”

In many ways, Musa’s leadership embodies this principle; his vision for Sabah was never static, always pushing forward, always seeking to bridge the gaps that once hindered the state’s potential.

There is a story told in Sabah about Musa’s family picnics by the rivers of Kota Belud during quieter periods in his life. Despite the responsibilities of governance, he was available to instil in his children a love for the state’s natural beauty. This connection, both personal and profound, has informed his vision for Sabah, a vision that seeks to balance development with sustainability.

Securing a brighter future for Sabah

His return to leadership, therefore, is not merely political but deeply personal, an extension of his commitment to securing a brighter future for the state he holds so dear.

Musa’s ability to lead with both resolve and humanity has long set him apart. His tenure as chief minister was marked by decisions that were not always easy but were guided by the belief that Sabah’s long-term stability outweighed fleeting gains. In a state home to more than 30 ethnic groups, his strength has been his ability to foster unity.

Colleagues describe him as a listener first, a leader who prioritises inclusion and acts with care for the greater good. This skill was especially evident during the devastating floods of the early 2010s, when Musa travelled to affected areas, speaking with families and overseeing relief efforts directly.

“He didn’t just send help,” one elder from Penampang recalled. “He came himself, listened and reassured us. That’s the kind of leader we needed.”

When Musa assumed office in 2003, Sabah was grappling with economic challenges that required immediate and decisive action. Under his leadership, the state experienced a remarkable transformation.

By introducing fiscal reforms and renegotiating lopsided agreements, he restored Sabah’s financial health. The state’s reserves grew from RM180 million to a historic RM4 billion by 2018. These reforms attracted significant foreign investment in industries like agriculture, manufacturing and energy, which, in turn, created jobs and fortified the state’s economy.

One of Musa’s crowning achievements was his ability to position Sabah as a global ecotourism destination. Under his leadership, destinations like Sipadan Island and Danum Valley gained international acclaim, attracting millions of visitors annually.

His administration’s investments in infrastructure, such as modernised airports and improved road networks, made Sabah more accessible while benefiting local communities.

Tourism, once a niche industry, became one of Sabah’s economic pillars, creating over 300,000 jobs and uplifting countless households.

Musa’s commitment to environmental preservation further bolstered his legacy. By designating vast areas of Sabah’s rainforest as protected, he ensured that these natural treasures would endure for generations. Global organisations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), praised his efforts, citing Sabah as a model for sustainable development.

For Musa, economic growth and environmental stewardship were never at odds; in fact, always complementary, with each strengthening the other.

More than political endurance

What distinguishes Musa is the trust he earned from both allies and the people of Sabah. As the state’s longest-serving chief minister, his 15 years in office reflected more than political endurance; they were a testament to his steady leadership in a complex and often fractious political environment.

This consistency brought a rare stability to Sabah, allowing for policies and projects to unfold without interruption. From urban centres to the most remote villages, Sabahans saw the benefits of his administration in schools, roads and public services that had previously seemed out of reach.

Observers often noted how Musa’s policies reflected an innate understanding of Sabah’s challenges and aspirations. Under his watch, the state navigated uncertain times with resilience, bolstered by financial discipline and an emphasis on sustainable progress. His tenure remains a benchmark of effective governance, one that continues to resonate as Sabah faces its next chapter.

Today, Sabah finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with political instability, economic fragmentation and the pressing need for sustainable growth. In this climate, Musa’s return is more than the re-emergence of a seasoned leader; it is a response to the state’s call for stability and vision. His ability to unite Sabah’s diverse population and his proven track record in navigating crises make him uniquely suited to meet the moment.

What distinguishes Musa is his deep-rooted connection to Sabah, a relationship defined not by personal ambition but by a genuine commitment to its people. For him, Sabah is not just a place, but a cause worthy of a lifetime of service.

Defining moment for Sabah

His return marks more than just a political shift; it is an opportunity to reinvigorate Sabah and restore its stature as Malaysia’s ‘Pearl of Borneo’.

In the unfolding narrative of Sabah’s future, the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the 11th Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, effective January 1, 2025, emerges not merely as a political decision but as a moment of calculated foresight.

In a state convened between growth and challenge, the need for a leader of substance and experience is clear. Musa Aman, who led Sabah for over a decade and left an indelible mark on Sabah’s economic landscape, brings more than just political acumen to the role.

His deep understanding of the state’s multifaceted structure, its diverse communities, its economic aspirations and its environmental needs established him as the rare leader capable of bridging the divides that have often hindered Sabah’s progress.

Appointed as the head of state, Musa is now cast in a role that demands not only his experience but also a visionary outlook that steers Sabah through its most pressing challenges. His appointment, neutral and above the fray of partisan politics, signifies a steady hand in uncertain times, offering a clear, long-term vision for the state’s future. This moment, then, is not just the installation of a new leader but the affirmation of a legacy rooted in service, unity and the kind of leadership that endures.

Musa Aman’s return is not just a political event but a defining moment for Sabah, one that carries the promise of a brighter future. His legacy as a transformative leader, marked by his relentless dedication to unity and progress, positions him as the figure Sabah needs in these uncertain times.

As the state charts its path forward, Musa’s leadership offers more than immediate solutions; it brings a long-term vision of a Sabah that is united, prosperous and true to its immense potential.

With him at the lead, Sabah is set to step into a new chapter, grounded in stability, growth and a shared purpose. There is a renewed sense of hope, a belief that, under his guidance, Sabah will not only overcome its challenges but will rise to be the thriving, vibrant state it is destined to be.

Today, as Sabah stands at yet another crossroads, the return of Tun Musa Aman is more than a political event – it is a homecoming.

-- BERNAMA

Aidalina Mahili is an Analyst, Administrative & Diplomatic Service.