KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman stressed on the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability as the foundation of the state’s administration.
He reminded that good governance was vital to ensure every funding allocation truly benefits the people.
Speaking at his 75th official birthday celebration, Musa said that integrity must not be treated as mere rhetoric.
“Integrity is not merely a slogan, but a core value that reflects honesty, transparency, and commitment in carrying out responsibilities,” he said, adding that accountability in financial management is crucial to safeguarding public trust.
He said that every spending decision must be made carefully and guided by principles of good governance and with consideration for long-term impact.
“Accountability and transparency in state financial management are essential to ensure every allocation spent truly benefits the rakyat,” he added in his speech at Istana Seri Kinabalu here on Monday (March 30).
Tun Musa also commended the state government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet for their commitment in planning and implementing development policies.
Musa said that Sabah was showing encouraging progress in economic growth, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and digital transformation.
He said that inclusive development, particularly in rural areas, must remain a priority to ensure no community is left behind.
“May integrity, transparency, and collective commitment continue to guide Sabah towards a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said at the ceremony that was preceded with conferring of the state award to some of the 1, 206 recipients.
The state’s highest award Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), which carries the title "Datuk Seri Panglima" was conferred upon Chief Justice of Malaysia Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Salleh, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and corporate icon Datuk Abdul Farish Abd Rashid.
A total of 79 people comprising politicians, government servants, sportsmen, community and business leaders.
were awarded Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which carries the title of “Datuk”.
Among the recipients were Musa’s son, the newly elected Sungai Manila assemblyman, Hazem Mubarak, as well as the son of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Kurniawan Naim, who is Kinabatangan MP as well as Hajiji’s son Mohammad Ghazali, who is political secretary to federal minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Other recipients were National Council of Befrienders Malaysia Datuk Jessie Ting, former national and international karate exponent Michelle Koh, more known as Kata Queen, footballer Henry Saimpon and Sabah Law Society president Mohamed Nazim Maduarin.
Also conferred the “Datuk” title included Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson Bukit Aman secretary Deputy Comm Abdul Rahman Kassim, the Navy’s Eastern Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Khir Junaidi Idris, Fifth Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Datuk Shamshor Jaafar, Sabah Land and Survey Department director Alan Chua Ming Ling, Sabah Health Department director Dr William Gotulis, Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Maslinda @ Linda Mohd Ainal, Sabah State Court Director Azreena Aziz and Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Zulkifli Suara.
Other recipients include Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) treasurer Chin Kiang Ming, Kota Kinabalu Umno divisional chief Musliati Moslimin and veteran photojournalist cum Kota Kinabalu Journalist Association (KKJA) president Jimmy Goh Kian Kiong.
A total of 117 people received Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), 192 received Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK),12 people were given Justice of Peace (JP).
