Kota Kinabalu: Integrity must be upheld across all levels of administration and leadership in Sabah to maintain public trust in government institutions, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. He expressed his aspiration to see the state governed with integrity, accountability, and wisdom, supported by sustainable development plans that prioritize the people’s well-being.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tun Musa Aman delivered his remarks during a special address in conjunction with his 74th official birthday at the 2025 Sabah Investiture Ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu. During the ceremony, 60 individuals received state awards, medals, and honors. The event was attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other state leaders.
Tun Musa emphasized the importance of strengthening development efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress through close cooperation between the government and the people. He highlighted the need to address global challenges through progressive approaches, including the promotion of technological innovation, the development of quality human capital, and the building of a resilient economy. “Building a dynamic and competitive society is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state’s development,” he stated.
Furthermore, Tun Musa called for continued unity among the people, describing it as the foundation for peace and progress in Sabah. He also commended Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet for their commitment to advancing the state in line with a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda.
The investiture ceremony saw Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim leading the honors list, being conferred the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK) title. Businessmen Datuk Ahmad Fuad Md Ali and Datuk Albert Lim Yu Ming were also awarded the SPDK. A total of 37 individuals received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which confers the title ‘Datuk’, including Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr. Fuziah Salleh and Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang.
Other PGDK recipients included Senator Anna Bell@Suzieana Perian, Sabah Parks director Dr. Maklarin Lakim, Amanah Sabah chairman Lahirul Latigu, Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Alexander Siew How Wai, Sabah Special Branch chief SAC Abdul Rahman Ishak, State Health director Dr. Maria Suleiman, and veteran journalist Emin Madi of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Sabah Bureau. The first session of the investiture ceremony also recognized individuals with the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK), Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK), and Justice of the Peace (JP) titles.
Earlier, Musa, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, attended a parade held in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah at Padang Merdeka.