KOTA KINABALU: Tun Musa Aman received a hero’s welcome as he returned to Sandakan for the first time as Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, at the district where he served as Sungai Sibuga assemblyman for 26 years.

Thousands turned up to greet him on Sunday (Feb 23), with nearly 2,000 residents gathering at Sandakan Airport, followed by an even larger crowd of over 6,000 people at a luncheon in his honour at Dewan Sri Libaran.

The overwhelming reception reflected the deep ties he has maintained with the people of Sandakan despite leaving active politics in 2020.

Joining him at both events were state Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being Datuk James Ratib, state assemblymen, Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson, community leaders, and senior government officials.

On Sunday evening, Musa will host a formal dinner at his residence in Sungai Kayu, where several ministers, assistant ministers, elected representatives and local leaders are expected to gather.

His visit continues on Monday with a briefing on the delayed Islamic Centre Project at Sungai Kayu.

Launched seven years ago, the project has yet to be completed due to unknown reasons. Once finished, the centre is expected to be a key religious and cultural landmark in Sandakan. Authorities are now looking at ways to speed up its progress.

Musa was sworn in as the 11th Head of State of Sabah on January 1, 2025, succeeding Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

His appointment marked his return to public service in a different capacity after serving as Sabah’s longest-serving chief minister from 2003 to 2018.