'I did advise Agong', PM says on new Sabah governor

Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says other names were presented to be considered for the Sabah governor role.

• However, he says when the letter came, it had only one name on it.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has refuted critics who questioned his commitment towards combating corruption, in the wake of Musa Aman’s appointment as the new Sabah governor.

Speaking to editors and reporters in Subang Jaya, Anwar said he had advised Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on other names for consideration.

“One and a half years have passed. The chief minister suddenly proposed a name.

“I did ask him if there were other names. Of course, there were two or three names,” said Anwar.

“When the letter comes, it only has one name.

“But, can I advise the Agong, ‘Can we consider other names with the approval of the state?’ Of course, I can. Did I? I did,” he added.

Under Article 1 of the Sabah Constitution, the governor is appointed at the Agong’s discretion but only after consultation with the state’s chief minister.

Musa’s appointment

On Tuesday, Musa, a former Sabah chief minister, was officially appointed as the new Sabah governor at Istana Negara.

He will assume office on Jan 1, 2025, succeeding Juhar Mahiruddin, whose term ends on Dec 31, 2024. Musa’s term will end on Dec 31, 2028.

Once sworn in in January, Musa will be a member of the Conference of Rulers.

The appointment has sparked criticism, with many recalling past controversies surrounding Musa. Critics have also accused Anwar and Pakatan Harapan leaders of compromising their reformist stance.

However, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil defended Anwar, reiterating that the appointment was made at the Agong’s discretion after consultation with the state’s chief minister, Hajiji Noor.

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