KOTA KINABALU: The appointment of a PAS representative into the Sabah state cabinet opens a new chapter for the party to help strengthen unity in the state.
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, in a statement said the party would play its role to forge closer ties with the multi-racial and multi-ethnic community in Sabah.
"Indeed, the existence of PAS in Sabah for over 35 years is a testament to the party's seriousness in its efforts to strengthen unity, promote education and defend the welfare of the people, across races and religions.
"To Dr Aliakbar Gulasan and Sabah PAS, may you be given strength and help in carrying out this responsibility for the benefit of religion, race and country," he said.
Abdul Hadi then extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor for putting their trust in Aliakbar, who is state PAS secretary.
This morning, Aliakbar, was among six individuals appointed as elected representatives.
Others are Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee; deputy state Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Srikandi Chief Datuk Amisah Yassin; Sabah Umno Information Chief Raime Unggi; Sabah Umno treasurer Suhaimi Nasir; and former PKR Libaran division chief Jaffari William.
The appointed assemblymen were sworn-in before Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
However, Yong and Amisah were not present at the ceremony, which also saw five ministers and 18 assistant ministers sworn-in.
Born in Kampung Kota Ayangan in Keningau, Aliakbar received his primary and secondary education at SK St Anthony Tenom as well as SM St Anthony Tenom.
He continued his Upper Six at SMK Gunsanad Keningau and furthered his studies as Universiti Malaya in the geographical field.
Aliakbar also received his Master scholar in environmental management and a Phd in urban geography from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
After completing his education in 1995, he was absorbed into Universiti Malaysia Sabah as a lecturer until today.
In his years of academic studies, Aliakbar has done countless research papers focusing on issues of environment, recycling, and rubbish as well as squatters management.
In July this year, Aliakbar was appointed as chairman of the Malaysia Cocoa Board.