KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has pledged that a Chinese leader will be appointed as one of Sabah’s deputy chief ministers if his administration is given the mandate to continue ruling after the upcoming 17th state election.
This would reflect the government’s appreciation for the continued support of the Chinese community in Sabah, whose contributions have been vital to the state’s growth and stability, he added.
“If the government is given another mandate, I will appoint (a) Chinese leader as deputy chief minister... to recognise and honour the community’s trust and support,” he said at a gathering with the Chinese community, mission and Chinese independent schools, and non-Muslim religious bodies here on Monday (Sept 22) evening.
Currently, Hajiji has three deputies: Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, acting Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, and Putatan MP and Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
His 29-member Cabinet includes four Chinese representatives, with two full ministers, namely Datuk Seri Christina Liew (Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister) and Datuk Phoon Jin Zhe (Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister); and two assistant ministers, Datuk Tan Lee Fatt (Finance) and Datuk Flovia Ng (Community Development and People's Wellbeing).
He added that the state had consistently entrusted capable Chinese leaders with key responsibilities, including managing government-linked companies (GLCs) and holding senior positions in finance, industry and energy.
“Our true identity is that we are Sabahans, regardless of race or religion. Everyone is part of the same family, and we must continue in this spirit,” Hajiji said.
