31 political secretaries to CM sworn in
KUCHING: A total of 31 political secretaries were sworn in during a ceremony witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
Their appointment is for a year, starting from this July 1 and ending on June 31 next year.
Among them are 17 new faces - Petrus Igat Mathias, Buang Bolhassan, Dr Richard Rapu, Sarkawi Suhaili, Julani Mokhtar, Charles Balan Seling, Michael Mujah Lihan, Cr Tapah Ata, Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie, Teng Ung Woo, Daniel Bujal, Tan Kai, Michael Tiang, Soo Li Ching, Edward Kurik and Edwin Banta.
Those reappointed are Semop assemblyman Abdullah Saidol who retained his position as Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Abu Seman Jahwie, John David Nyauh, Victor Temenggong Angang, Kenil Jaraiie, Romeo Christopher Tegong, Maurice Joannes Giri, Jenny Bangga, Fridah Osman, Angeline Umih Tujok, Alexander Asing Sadai, Awangku Jamuddin Pengiran Kon, Datuk Paul Igai and Kijan Toynbee @ Ipang.
By party breakdown, 18 are from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB), five each from Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) and Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) while three are from Sarawak Progressive Democratic
This time around, all political secretaries are expected to be diligent, sensitive and proactive in highlighting issues that are related to the people’s welfare.
Party (SPDP).
Abdullah, when contacted after the swearing-in ceremony, expressed his appreciation and said it was an honour to be reappointed as the Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister.
He said political secretaries are expected to supplement the efforts of elected representatives in carrying out their tasks in the constituencies, especially in highlighting the people’s issues and welfare.
“This time around, all political secretaries are expected to be diligent, sensitive and proactive in highlighting issues that are related to the people’s welfare.”
He said all political secretaries would be assigned to an area of concern which might cover at least two constituencies and they are expected to know and always be on alert on various issues in the areas that they are responsible for.
“All political secretaries are also advised to work closely with the respective elected representatives in their areas of concern and not to act or behave in a way which is politically detrimental to BN.”
Abdullah said the Chief Minister expected all political secretaries to maintain their integrity as well as always be sincere and brave in highlighting any issue that requires urgent and serious attention from the government.
“The political secretaries are also responsible for disseminating accurate information with regards to government policies.”
As the Chief Political Secretary, he said he would make sure all political secretaries adhere to the Chief Minister’s instructions and advice, besides ensuring that they perform their duties efficiently and with high impact.
Meanwhile, first-time political secretary Tan Kai expressed his gratitude to Adenan for giving him the opportunity to hold the post.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to our party leaders and party members for their guidance all this while.
“Together with other political secretaries, we will perform our best to serve the general public,” he said when contacted.
Asked on what would be his responsibility as one of the political secretaries, Tan said he would be given many tasks by Abdullah later.
“Protocol-wise, we will have to report to the Chief Minister’s Office and one of our duties will be to assist all the assemblymen and assemblywomen in their respective constituencies.”
Abdullah Saidol, Semop assemblyman & Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister