KOTA KINABALU: A total of 17 assistant ministers have been appointed by the new Sabah government, including four of the five Independents who won in the state election.
The four Independents appointed are Datuk Fairuz Renddan (Pintasan), Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan), Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap (Bandau) and Jordan Jude Ellron (Tulid).
The only Independent not made state assistant minister is Petagas assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Sahari.
Also appointed as assistant ministers were Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (Kiulu), Datuk Seri Dr Ruddy Awah (Pitas), Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (Klias), Datuk Samad Jambri @Jamri (Labuk) and Datuk Limus Jury (Kuala Penyu).
The others were Datuk Ruslan Muharam (Lumadan), Datuk Hendrus Anding (Tandek), Datuk Jonnybone Kurum (Telupid), Datuk Juil Nuatim (Limbahau), Datuk Ben Chong (Tanjong Kapor), Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun (appointed) and Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Saina (Tanjung Batu). All are from GRS.
The sole Sabah STAR leader appointed as state assistant minister was Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub.
The portfolios of the assistant ministers have not been announced.
They were all sworn in by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman at his official residence in Istana Seri Kinabalu yesterday.
The swearing-in ceremony, initially scheduled for 10am, was postponed to 3.30pm.
Six appointed state assemblymen were also sworn in yesterday. They are Datuk Mohamed Razali Razi, who lost in the Darau seat; Datuk Abdul Kassim Razali, Datuk Chin Shu Ying, Malakun, Datuk Roger Chin Ken Fong and Grace Lee Li Mei.
Earlier yesterday, Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said his party would remain in the Opposition despite the appointment of Mohd Ishak as an assistant minister.
“The appointment of Mohd Ishak is a direct appointment by the Chief Minister,” he said.
“It is not a party-negotiated position. He is the elected representative for Bingkor and we respect his prerogative in accepting the role.”
Kitingan is the only other STAR assemblyman.
