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THE Sabah government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the state’s 40 percent rights, placing the issue at the heart of discussions during the inaugural meeting of the newly established Unity Cabinet, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun confirmed on Wednesday.
Masidi said the matter was prioritised to ensure that decisions previously communicated to the federal government could be implemented promptly and effectively.
“Our hope is to arrive at a mutually agreed figure. The rule is clear: 40 percent, and this rule is part of our constitution. I feel we cannot compromise on the constitution,” he told reporters at the Finance Minister’s office in Menara Kinabalu.
Addressing recent discontent among some Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state assembly members over alleged political manoeuvring, Masidi urged lawmakers to refocus on delivering public services rather than political rivalries.
“The priority right now is to serve the people. The question of who was an adversary before is no longer relevant. I do not think in the afterlife anyone will ask what party you belonged to,” he said, emphasising the need for all stakeholders to move past partisan politics and work collectively for Sabah’s development.
The comments underscore the Sabah government’s determination to uphold constitutional provisions while promoting unity and effective governance amidst internal political tensions.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor highlighted that the newly formed Unity Cabinet aims to drive Sabah’s prosperity and progress over the next five years, building on developmental achievements from the previous term.
He confirmed that the state government intends to launch the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development plan in 2026, describing it as holistic, inclusive, and comprehensive.
“With this new administration, I and my cabinet members will strengthen our commitment to maintain stability and uphold a political agenda grounded in unity and development. I am the Chief Minister for all, serving the people of Sabah fairly, without prejudice to their background, ethnicity, or religion,” Hajiji said after chairing the first state cabinet meeting at Menara Kinabalu on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the official portfolios for 17 Assistant Ministers who were sworn in on Tuesday, covering areas including the Chief Minister’s Department, Public Works and Utilities, Finance, Industry, Local Government, Agriculture, Rural Development, Education, Tourism, and Health and Social Welfare.
The appointments reflect a strategic balance among Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition members and independent representatives, signalling the administration’s focus on inclusive governance, coordinated development, and delivering public services to all Sabahans.
This first cabinet meeting reinforces the state’s commitment to constitutional rights, political unity, and a forward-looking approach to socio-economic growth and governance.
The cleaned and restructured list of 17 Assistant Ministers and their portfolios are as follws:
Chief Minister’s Department
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (GRS)
Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (GRS)
Datuk Mandela Malakun (GRS)
Public Works and Utilities
Datuk Limus Jury (GRS)
Dato’ Sri Dr. Ruddy Awah (GRS)
Finance
Datuk Ben Chong (GRS)
Datuk Ishak Ayub (STAR)
Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport
Datuk Jonnybone Kurum (GRS)
Local Government and Housing
Datuk Fairuz Renddan (Independent)
Datuk Maijol Mahap (Independent)
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry
Datuk Haji Ruslan Muharam (GRS)
Datuk Hendrus Anding (GRS)
Rural Development
Datuk Samad Jambri (GRS)
Datuk Juil Nuatim (GRS)
Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
Jordan Jude Ellron (Independent)
Tourism, Culture and Environment
Dr. Andi Rizal (GRS)
Women, Health and Social Welfare
Datuk Rina Jainal (Independent) - December 3, 2025