Move means a lot to federal officers from Sabah: Yusof

Kota Kinabalu: Yusof Sarangit has become the first Sabahan to be appointed State Federal Financial Officer.

Over the years, the post with the 'Jusa C' status, was filled up by Federal officers from outside the State, much to the chagrin of the locals.

As such, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently announced Yusof's appointment, it was met with all-around applause by Sabahans who saw it as a symbolic gesture to mark their Harvest Festival, 'Tadau Kaamatan'.

"My appointment means a lot to Federal officers from Sabah as it shows that the Government recognises their ability and the heavy responsibility which comes with the job.

"I believe this will encourage more officers from Sabah to join the Federal civil service. This will contribute positively towards national unity," he said here Monday.

Yusof, 48, a native of Kampung Segangan in Lahad Datu on the Sabah east coast, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Universiti Malaya.

"I am thankful to Allah for the promotion and appointment as Sabah Federal Financial Officer.

"My thanks are also to the Prime Minister and government for trusting me with this responsibility," he added.

Yusof said his appointment showed that the Prime Minister was sensitive and committed towards resolving issues faced by Sabahans.

He promised to carry out his duty with fairness, transparency and to the best of his ability, aimed at bringing development to the State.

Yusof, who began his civil service as a geologist, spent most of his career in the Foreign Ministry, with a string of postings, including Nigeria and Japan.

He was the principal assistant director (Finance) of the recently abolished Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS) from 2001-2004 and principal assistant director (Project Monitoring) of JPPS from 2004-2006.

His last post before his current appointment was JPPS Deputy Secretary from 2006-May 2008.- Bernama