KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's longest-serving Yang Di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, ends his term on Tuesday (Dec 31), describing it as challenging.
The 71-year-old Juhar said that his 14 years as Governor (since 2011) have been a long journey filled with many experiences, sometimes full of challenges, but he carried out his duties "honestly, fairly and responsibly."
He said it was part of his duties, but one thing was certain: the people could not be marginalised in every decision and action.
"Every day, the people need to be given attention because they are the foundation and backbone of all development and success achieved. Every decision taken and every policy enacted must focus on the well-being and welfare of the people.
"Without the support and trust of the people, no success can be achieved in government," he said in his speech in conjunction with the state government's appreciation banquet at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Monday (Dec 29).
Juhar said that as a person entrusted to lead the state, he always strived to carry out his responsibilities with continuous cooperation and commitment from all parties.
"In this journey, we have experienced many successes resulting from cooperation and the spirit of unity between all parties.
"Every effort made, even if small, has a big impact in ensuring that our state continues to progress and grow," said Juhar.
Juhar will be succeeded by Tun Musa Aman, Sabah's longest-serving chief minister (2003-2018), who will be sworn in at Istana Seri Kinabalu here on Wednesday (Jan 1).
Juhar removed Musa as chief minister hardly 48 hours after swearing him in. After the 2018 general election, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal would replace him.
Musa unsuccessfully challenged Juhar's decision to remove him after the court upheld Juhar's decision.
Two years later, Musa again unsuccessfully challenged Juhar's decision in court to dissolve the Sabah Assembly amid a move by Musa to topple the Shafie's Warisan-Pakatan Harapan government.
In his farewell speech, Juhar congratulated Musa on his appointment and thanked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and everyone who supported him, including civil servants, security forces, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"Everything that begins must end. I feel moved by the support and cooperation of the people of Sabah. The success and progress of this state depend on the spirit of unity and continuous support from all parties.
"I believe that with continuous cooperation, the state of Sabah will continue to grow and achieve greater glory," he added.
