Pitas: Pitas assemblyman Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah, along with his wife Datin Seri Asiah Udin and their youngest child, has officially embraced Islam at their residence in Kampung Salimpodon Laut.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the conversion ceremony was livestreamed on Ruddy's Facebook page. Ruddy, who also serves as Sabah Assistant Minister of Works and Utilities, participated in the ceremony alongside his wife Asiah and their son Aswady. The event included the recitation of the syahadah, which is a declaration of faith, both collectively and individually, with its meaning explained in Malay. This was followed by the azan, recitation of Quranic verses, selawat, and a kenduri kesyukuran, a thanksgiving feast.

The syahadah recitation was led by state Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar and witnessed by prominent figures such as Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, and State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman. After the ceremony, Ruddy expressed that the day marked a significant milestone for him and his family. He noted the decision was made sincerely, free of coercion, and not motivated by any worldly pursuits.

Ruddy shared that four of his six children had previously converted to Islam, which acted as the main inspiration for the family's journey. He and his wife had studied Islam for over a decade, seeking a true way of life. Ruddy mentioned his long-held aspiration to join the Muslim community, often donating to friends who performed umrah and asking for prayers to aid in his spiritual journey.

The ceremony was attended by several Sabah Cabinet ministers and assistant ministers, as well as members of the local community, marking a collective moment of celebration and support for the assemblyman's family.