Shafie dismisses nepotism claims, says only 8 senior officials from Semporna

Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal accuses the opposition of trying to tarnish his administration.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal has refuted claims that he had filled up most of the senior posts in the state government with people from his constituency.

The Semporna MP said there were only eight officers who were from Semporna out of 120 senior positions in the government.

He insisted that their appointments were based on merit and not because they were from Semporna.

“Of the 120 senior positions like district officers, state secretary, and permanent secretaries, only eight are from Semporna.

“And, one of them holds the position of permanent secretary. The rest are from other parts of Sabah,” said Shafie during his speech at a Chinese New Year event here last night.

Shafie said the allegations were a political ploy by the opposition to tarnish his administration.

He also pointed out that it was during Barisan Nasional’s administration that nepotism was rampant.

He said during that time, brothers were allowed to hold powerful positions, for instance, Musa Aman was the chief minister while his younger brother, Anifah Aman was the foreign minister. - FMT