Yusof creates Sabah history - NST

Yusof Sarangit spent most of his career in the Foreign Ministry.

KOTA KINABALU: June 3, 2008

Yusof Sarangit has become the first Sabahan to be appointed Sabah's federal financial officer.

Over the years, the Jusa C grade post was filled by federal officers from outside the state, much to the chagrin of locals.

So, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Yusof's appointment recently, it was met with 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 the government recognises their ability and the heavy responsibility which comes with the job.

"I believe this will encourage more Sabahans to join the federal civil service. This will contribute positively towards national unity," he said here yesterday.

Yusof, 48, from Kampung Segangan in Lahad Datu, 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."

Yusof said his appointment showed the prime minister was sensitive and committed to resolving issues faced by Sabahans.

He promised to carry out his duties fairly, transparently and to the best of his ability, aimed at bringing development to the state.

Yusof began his civil service career as a geologist and went on to the Foreign Ministry with a string of postings, including to Nigeria and Japan.

His last post was deputy federal state secretary from 2006 till last month. - Bernama