Sabah has a legal government, CM now – Shafie
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah now has a legal government and a legal Chief Minister to run the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Haji Apdal made this statement to the media after the swearing-in ceremony held at the State Legislative Assembly, yesterday.
He added that with the swearingin ceremony over and done with, he hoped it would finalise all ‘stories’ that are out there, both overseas and in the country.
“This puts a stop to it. We now have a legal government and legal chief minister running Sabah,” he said.
He said the process undertaken yesterday followed what was stated in the law.
He added that all parties were informed of the event ahead of time so that they could attend it.
“The process of swearing-in was attended by 39 Adun, excluding the four appointed assemblymen. This is enshrined in the Sabah legislation -- the basis for this is the swearing-in must be conducted within 90 days or three months,” he said.
He said those elected by the people must be sworn in within the period and if they could not present themselves, they would have to get the approval from the speaker.
During the event yesterday, a motion to express support to the new government also took place.
The motion was read by ApiApi assemblywoman cum Deputy Chief Minister Christina Liew.
“The entire process went smoothly. The motion brought by Api-Api was supported by the ADUN,” he said.
Shafie added that according to legislation, the new leadership, new chief minister and new government could be formed if they had the strong support from more than 39 state elected representatives.
He then expressed his gratitude to all the people of Sabah who decided to make the huge change in the leadership in Sabah.
“This is synonym with Sabah politics. When they want to change, they will change. This is the decision made by the people.
“We will administer the State well.”
The appointed assemblymen comprised Upko acting president Datuk Madius Tangau who is also the parliament member for Tuaran and holds the post of Deputy Chief Minister; Sabah DAP chairman, Stephen Wong who holds the post as the Minister of Health and the People’s Wellbeing; Warisan Sabah treasurer general Terrence Siambun and Warisan Sabah secretary general, Loretto S. Padua Jr @ Damien Padua Jr II.