Eighteen Sarawak assistant ministers took their oath of office before Yang Dipertua Negeri Abdul Taib Mahmud at Dewan Lapau of the state legislative assembly building in Kuching today.

They are Francis Hardin Hollis, Lee Kim Shin, Mohd Naroden Majais, John Sikie Tayai, Talib Zulpilip, Julaihi Narawi, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Dr Jerip Susil, Liwan Lagang, Rosey Yunus, Len Talip Salleh, Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Dr Rahman Ismail, Sharifah Hasidah Syeed Aman Ghazali, Dr Annuar Rapaee, Malcom Mussen Lamoh and Dr Penguang Manggil.

Two others - Abdul Wahab Aziz and Mong Dagang - were not reappointed.

Murum assemblyperson Gerawat Jala also took his oath of office as deputy speaker of Sarawak state legislative assembly.

Chief Minister Adenan Satem is expected to announce their portfolios later today.

- Bernama