KOTA KINABALU: The appointment of Tun Musa Aman as Sabah’s 11th Yang di-Pertua Negeri marks his stunning comeback to public office.
From being the all-powerful chief minister for well over a decade to his unceremonious ejection from office six years ago, Musa’s return from the political shadows to sit in the highest office of the state is nothing but amazing for supporters and critics alike.
While the 73-year-old’s appointment draws strong support and admiration from many, it also comes with some reservations among certain sections of the state’s political elite within and outside the government.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Associate Professor Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said the appointment of a former political leader like Musa to the ceremonial role of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri brings with it his wealth of experience.
However, the academic acknowledged it also comes with some concerns over impartiality.
“Musa’s appointment can be seen as a move to leverage years of experience and understanding of the state’s political landscape.
“However, it may also raise concerns about the impartiality that is expected of the Governor’s office, given his active political past,” he said.
Lee said Musa’s deep understanding of Sabah’s political landscape and him having an established network can help bridge divides and address some of the political issues.
“With decades in politics, he is seen as someone who is adept at forging consensus with opposing groups that can smooth out the current fractious political landscape in Sabah,” he added.
Musa is the fifth former chief minister to become the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
The others were Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens, Tun Mohd Said Keruak, Tun Sakaran Dandai and Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun, who was the state’s first governor in 1963 but became chief minister in 1967.
Musa will be sworn in before the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Jan 1 as he officially replaces Tun Juhar Mahiruddin whose term officially ends on Dec 31.
Juhar took office on Jan 1, 2011 when Musa was chief minister.
A successful businessman from a family of mixed-native parentage in Sabah’s southwestern Beaufort, Musa’s elder brother Datuk Seri Ayub Aman was a minister in the Berjaya state government (1976-85) while his younger brother Tan Sri Anifah was foreign minister (2009-2018).His son Yamani Hafez was a one-term Sipitang MP and deputy finance minister.
Musa first came into politics in the state among the younger generation of Muslim leaders of Parti Usno, led by the late Datu Mustapha in 1990.
After Usno was dissolved to merge with Umno in 1991, Musa successfully contested and won the Sungai Sibuga seat under a Barisan Nasional ticket in 1994.
He held various positions including Yayasan Sabah director before becoming a minister and later chief minister in 2003, a post he held till 2018 when he was abruptly removed from office days after the 2018 general election.
Juhar replaced Musa with his political arch rival Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal amid a heated power play at Istana Negeri in the 48 hours after the election.
Musa unsuccessfully challenged his removal and in 2020, failed in his second legal challenge against Juhar’s decision to dissolve the state assembly that paved the way for a snap election.
He had attempted to legally stop the dissolution, claiming he had gained back his majority in the state assembly.
This came just months after corruption charges against him were dropped after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin became prime minister in 2020 following the Sheraton Move.
Musa was not fielded again as a candidate by Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin in the state polls.
He has since kept a low political and public profile, but remained an Umno member.
