KUALA LUMPUR – Seventeen Sabah assemblymen were officially sworn in as assistant ministers at a ceremony held at Istana Seri Kinabalu today.
The event, presided over by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Musa Aman, also saw the attendance of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other members of the State Cabinet.
Among the new appointees, eleven represent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), including Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Pitas’ Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah, Klias’ Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Labuk’s Datuk Samad Jambri, Kuala Penyu’s Datuk Limus Jury, Lumadan’s Datuk Ruslan Muharam, Tandek’s Datuk Hendrus Anding, and Telupid’s Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum. Additional GRS members appointed include Limbahau’s Datuk Juil Nuatim, Tanjong Kapor’s Datuk Chong Chen Bin, and Tanjung Batu’s Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal.
In addition to the GRS assemblymen, four independent representatives – Datuk Fairuz Renddan (Pintasan), Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan), Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap (Bandau), and Jordan Jude Ellron (Tulid) – also took their oaths as assistant ministers.
Despite Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) opting to remain in opposition, Bingkor’s Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub, representing the party, was also sworn in as an assistant minister. However, his appointment was clarified to be in a personal capacity, rather than that of his party. Mohd Ishak is also the nephew of Tun Dr Musa Aman.
Additionally, Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun, an appointed assemblyman, also received his letter of appointment at the ceremony, joining the ranks of the new assistant ministers.
The swearing-in marks a key step in forming the new state government following the 17th Sabah state election, in which GRS secured 29 out of 73 contested seats. Other parties such as Warisan, Barisan Nasional, and UPKO also had significant representation.
The portfolios of the new assistant ministers have not been announced, leaving the public and observers eagerly awaiting further details. – December 2, 2025