Kuala Lumpur: Sabah’s longest serving Chief Minister, Tun Musa Aman, received his letter of appointment as the 11th Head of State, following consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, at a formal ceremony at Istana Negara, Tuesday.
Musa was also conferred the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara award which carries the title “Tun” at the ceremony.
AdvertisementHe expressed deep appreciation for the royal endorsement and political support that led to his appointment, describing it as a great honour.
“First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar for consenting to my appointment as 11th Yang Di Pertua Negeri of Sabah in a ceremony at Istana Negara.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell Sabah Deepwater Production Manager Earns Unsung Hero Award Daily Express had the opportunity to interview Musti whose story reflects the power of determination and resilience. Read more “This is indeed a great honour that YDPA has entrusted me with such an appointment and the responsibility that comes along with it.
“I also wish to thank Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim and Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, for having the confidence in recommending me to hold such an esteemed position as Head of State,” he said.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Musa who served as CM from 2003 until 2018 said he accepted the appointment with great pride and hoped to continue to be of service to the State and the people in his new capacity as Governor.
Musa, 73, was appointed according to Article 1 of the Sabah Constitution for four years, effective Jan 1, 2025 until Dec 31, 2028.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He replaces Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, whose term expires on Dec. 31, 2024 after being appointed to the post on Jan. 1, 2011.
The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Also present were Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedict, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Musa, 73, first took his oath of office as the state’s 14th chief minister on March 27, 2003, and held the top post for five consecutive terms until May 12, 2018, replacing Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat.
He was Sungai Sibuga assemblyman for six terms from 1994 to 2020 and has held key positions, including that of State Finance Minister.
Born on March 30, 1951 in Beaufort, Musa’s political debut came in the state election in 1990.
He represented the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) for the Sugut seat in Sandakan but did not win.
The seasoned politician played a crucial role in Umno’s expansion in Sabah and was appointed as Sabah Umno pro-tem treasurer.
He was also the Libaran Umno chief before being appointed as the state Barisan Nasional treasurer in 1992.
The 1994 Sabah election was key in Musa’s political career as he was selected to represent BN for the first time and secured the Sungai Sibuga seat in a four-cornered fight.
He defended the state seat for six terms and was Sabah Umno chief from 2013 to 2018.
Musa also has corporate experience having served as Sabah Economic Development Corporation Executive Chairman, Yayasan Sabah Chairman, Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO and Sabah Softwood Sdn Bhd Chairman.
He also held positions as the Universiti Malaysia Sabah pro-chancellor, Sabah Football Association President and Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce President.
He has a masters in business administration from Edith Cowan University, Australia.
Musa received his early education at the Mempagar Government Primary School in Limbawang, Beaufort, and continued his studies at St. Paul Beaufort School.
He later pursued his studies at Sabah College. He completed his secondary education at All Saints Secondary School in Kota Kinabalu.
He is married to Faridah Tussin, with whom he has three sons and a daughter.