Four Independent Reps Give Sabah Govt Fresh Impetus

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Four Independent assemblymen have described their appointment as Sabah Assistant Ministers as a significant development that provides a more inclusive space within the state leadership structure, ensuring the Independent bloc’s voice is represented in the state government. 

Kukusan assemblyman Datuk Rina Jainal said the move allows Independent representatives greater opportunity to contribute ideas and perspectives to strengthen the state’s development direction under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Rina said she hopes to bring a fresh and relevant approach in line with current needs.

“It’s a good start. At the very least, there is now an Independent voice within the Cabinet, and with this new development.

“I see Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as being very open. We hope to breathe new life into the Cabinet for the next phase, the way forward,” she told Bernama after the swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu here today. 

A total of four Independent assemblymen took their oaths of office as Sabah Assistant Ministers before the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman, who was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.

The other three were Pintasan assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renddan, Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap (Bandau) and Jordan Jude Ellron (Tulid).

Meanwhile, Jordan said the appointment creates space for younger representatives to bring the aspirations of the new generation to the state administration, especially through the Independent platform, which is not bound to any party.

“As an assistant minister under the Independent bloc, I am not tied to any party president. So I can convey the aspirations of young people directly to the top without being hindered or restricted by any party structure,” he said.

In total, 17 assemblymen were sworn in as Sabah Assistant Ministers today, including appointed assemblyman Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun. The appointments comprise 11 from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), four Independents, one from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and one appointed elected representative.

Early Sunday morning, GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor took his oath of office as the 17th Chief Minister, followed yesterday by the swearing-in of 10 assemblymen as state Cabinet members.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.

-- BERNAMA