Jeffrey: Kohoi’s appointment an honour for Sabah STAR
KOTA KINABALU: The appointment of Sabah STAR secretary-general Datuk Guandee Kohoi as Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister is an honour to the party, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Jeffrey believes that Kohoi’s appointment will be beneficial to Sabah, especially its tourism industry, as well as a recognition of the party by the current Federal Government.
“I’m delighted because Kohoi will be able to carry on the work I started when I held the role last year.
“Though my tenure at the ministry was brief, I was fully dedicated to it. I left the ministry with a heavy heart as I felt like I was already a part of this ministry. I am relieved that someone who shares my ideas has taken my place,” he said.
Jeffrey held the deputy minister’s position after Perikatan Nasional became the Federal Government March last year, and he quit his position to be part of the Sabah state Cabinet after Gabungan Rakyat Sabah won the state election in September.
“Kohoi is already acquainted with the ministry as he was always with me when I held his current post. As a result, he is no stranger to the demands and responsibilities of this ministry.
“As we all know, the tourism industry is critical to Sabah’s economy, and with him in charge, industry players will have a friend who understands Sabah’s situation better,” said Jeffrey, who was among the few leaders permitted to attend Kohoi’s swearing-in at Istana Negara before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.