Shafie arrives for the swearing-in of the state Cabinet at Istana Negeri in Kota Kinabalu this afternoon. — Picture courtesy of the Information Department

KOTA KINABALU, May 16 — Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has assured Sabahans today that there will be no conflict of interest with him holding the finance portfolio in addition to his chief ministership.

He said that just because “previous guys” have had conflicting issues, it did not mean that there will be an abuse of the system in his case.

“Just because I am there does not mean that I will exploit the system.

“I’m not going to do what has been done before. I’m an economist, my priority is to put the state back on track and have a vibrant economy,” he said.

Shafie said that he would “diffuse” some approval policies to ensure there would be sound financial management and no bias.

“There are a lot of things to be done and I want to make sure we attract investors because we promised jobs for our youth.

Shafie had earlier announced his new state Cabinet, which consists of three new deputy chief ministers, including one woman, and three new ministries: Health and People’s Wellbeing Ministry, Education and Innovation and Law and Native State Affairs Ministry.

He is also holding the finance ministry portfolio.

He said that the Cabinet has a good mix of people with experience and relevant background and qualifications.

“There is also a good mix of races from Chinese, KDM, Bajau and Bruneians. We have lawyers, PHD and Master’s holders, those with financial experience and others who can help administer the state.

“I also considered party representation, those from PKR, DAP and others. We are a multiracial party so considerations are about party, and not just race. We are Sabahans first and we don’t want it to be racially-based,” he said.