Musa appointed by king on CM's advice, Fahmi tells Muda

Summary

• Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil hits out at Muda after it criticised Musa Aman’s appointment as Sabah governor.

• Fahmi stresses criticisms not based on facts established under Sabah’s constitution.

• Muda acting chief Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz doubles down on claims, raising more questions for Fahmi.

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has reiterated that the appointment of the Sabah governor is at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after consultation with the state’s chief minister.

Taking to X, Fahmi hit out at Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz’s criticisms against the government over Musa Aman’s appointment to the Sabah governor post, effective Jan 1.

“Before you (Amira) make a statement such as this which is not based on facts, you should have examined Article 1(1) of the Sabah state constitution that clearly states the duties and responsibilities in the appointment of a Sabah governor,” he said today.

Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, referred Amira to Chapter 1 of the Sabah constitution, which outlines matters of appointment of the Sabah governor.

‘Celebrating the corrupt’

Earlier today, Amira alluded to past corruption allegations against Musa while he was Sabah chief minister, claiming that the government has acted against public interest “to celebrate the corrupt”.

Musa’s appointment came against the backdrop of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s alliance with BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in forming the federal government.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor - who is also fighting off corruption allegations and is reportedly seeking Anwar’s support - had nominated Musa for the governor post.

Amira responded to Fahmi and doubled down on her criticisms based on Hajiji’s role in advising the Agong.

“As a cabinet member, I have three questions for you (Fahmi).

“Was this appointment discussed between the chief minister and prime minister?

“What was the prime minister’s response to the chief minister’s advice, as a partner in government? Do you (Fahmi) agree to the appointment?” the Puteri Wangsa assemblyperson asked.

Pakatan Harapan is part of Hajiji’s government in Sabah.

Musa expresses gratitude

Musa in a Facebook post thanked the king, Anwar, and Hajiji for the appointment.

“My deepest gratitude to His Majesty. Thank you to the honourable prime minister of Malaysia and the honourable chief minister of Sabah.”

Musa received his instrument of appointment from the king in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was also awarded the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara, which carries the title “Tun”.

Musa’s four-year term as governor will end on Dec 31, 2028.

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