KUCHING, May 19 — Eighteen Sarawak assistant ministers took their oath of office before Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud at Dewan Lapau of the State Legislative Assembly Building here today.

They are Datuk Francis Hardin Hollis, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Liwan Lagang, Rosey Yunus, Datuk Len Talip Salleh, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Dr Rahman Ismail, Sharifah Hasidah Syeed Aman Ghazali, Dr Annuar Rapaee, Malcom Mussen Lamoh and Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.

Two others — Dayuk Abdul Wahab Aziz and Datuk Mong Dagang, were reappointed.

Murum assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Jala also took his oath of office as deputy speaker of Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem is expected to announce their portfolios later today. — Bernama