Musa and Faridah being greeted by invited guests at the Istana after the ceremony.
KOTA KINABALU: An investiture ceremony was held at the Istana Negeri by the Head of State, Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin, in conjunction with His Excellency’s 60th official birthday yesterday.
Among those who received the state awards were the late Sergeant Salam Togiran (posthumous), who was represented by his widow Marlina Utan, and the late Sergeant Major Baharin Hamid (posthumous), who was also represented by his widow Sumiati Suarah.
The awards were conferred in honour of their sacrifices in defending the country’s sovereignty during the Semporna and Lahad Datu standoff alongside eight other fallen heroes.
Other recipients yesterday included Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Chief of Armed Forces General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and well-known businessman Tan Sri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay.
Also present were the wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah Datuk R.M. Jasni; Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and wife Datin Seri Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin; State Assembly Speaker Datuk Salleh Tun Said and wife Datin Hajah Raya Erom; cabinet ministers, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Federal Secretary to Sabah Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan, assistant ministers, elected representatives as well as heads of departments.