KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 — Balung assemblyman Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali has been appointed the Speaker of the Sabah state legislative assembly, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman announced today.

Syed Abas takes over as the ninth Speaker of the assembly from Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, who was made federal communications and multimedia minister following the Cabinet reshuffle last week.

Musa said Syed Abas, who is chairman of state-owned Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd, is expected to assume the post this Friday.

“He has vast experience in politics and government and has held key positions in government agencies and GLCs,” the chief minister said in a press release from his office.

The 68-year-old Syed Abas holds a Bachelors of Science (Hons) in Applied Economics from East London University.

He was elected Balung assemblyman in 1978 till 1981 under the Berjaya administration and again in the 2004 election until the present under Umno.

He began his career in public service in 1976 as the industrial development officer in the state’s Ministry of Industrial Development.

He has also served in various capacities including as Ko Nelayan chairman, Sabah Finance Berhad director and the Sabah Islamic Council chairman.