KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman finally sworn in as Sungai Sibuga Assemblyman at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building yesterday.
The swearing-in before Sabah Speaker Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali was concluded at 3.33pm.
Speaking to reporters after the oath-taking ceremony, Musa thanked the Speaker for allowing him to be sworn in as Sungai Sibuga Assemblyman.
“I am grateful to the Sabah Speaker for his understanding on my health condition, and allowing me to come and fulfill my responsibility as an assemblyman,” he told reporters.
At the same time, Musa said he had fully cooperated with the authorities in Kuala Lumpur, and would give his cooperation as long as it was needed.
“I need to emphasise here that I am not a fugitive, and I have never intended to flee from the Malaysian authorities as has been widely spread on social media all this while.
“I was abroad due to health and needed intensive care and this was proven by medical reports from the doctors treating me,” he said.
Also present at the swearing-in ceremony were Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and several Sabah UMNO leaders.
The former Chief Minister had earlier returned home from Kuala Lumpur from a hospital where he was receiving treatment.
He arrived on a special aircraft at about 12.28pm at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal 2 and was met by thousands of his supporters amid shouts of ‘Musa Aman’ and ‘Allahu Akhbar’.
Musa, who donned a black suit and songkok and aided by a cane, was greeted by cries of the azan before a thanksgiving prayer was recited by his son-in-law Datuk Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif.
He was also met by several state UMNO leaders, including Sabah UMNO Liaison Chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid and Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun upon arrival.
Prior to exiting the arrival door, he also managed to wave to his supporters who were at the airport compound waiting for his arrival since 10am.
He then left the airport compound by a Toyota Alphard vehicle and continued to wave to his supporters lining the road through the screened down vehicle window.
Security personnel had to step up security measures at the airport compound due to the large crowds but the situation was under control.
Previously, Musa, who was reportedly receiving treatment in London, returned to the country after arriving at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang at 6.45pm on Aug 21 from Seletar, Singapore.
Musa, who is also Sungai Sibuga Assemblyman, reportedly left the country for London on May 16 to undergo medical treatment there.
He is sought by the police in connection with criminal intimidation charges against Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri at a swearing-in ceremony on May 10.
In addition, he is also being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on alleged bribery by Sabah Assemblymen. – Bernama
