Honouring State Secretary Safar

After serving for 6.7 years as the State Secretary, the highest-ranking officer of the state civil service, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Safar Untong, retires. The government hosted a “Sanjungan Budi Tautan Legasi” appreciation dinner on 24 July 2026, honouring Safar at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

Since independence 63 years ago, the State has 11 State Secretaries, namely Robert Turner, Datuk John Dusing, Tan Sri Richard Lind, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Egoh, Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, Tan Sri Datu Haji Khalil bin Haji Jamalul, Datuk K.Y. Mustafa, Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hashim Paijan, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Safar Untong and, most recently, Datuk Zainudin Haji Aman.

During the event, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has proposed establishing a Galleria or Mini Civil Service Museum for the office of the State Secretary. The gallery can serve as a reference centre for students," Hajiji said. “It can showcase documents, speeches and memorabilia related to former State Secretaries, including records of their achievements and contributions across different eras, reflecting the leadership of each State Secretary, their accomplishments and their legacy.”

Hajiji said that Safar has, among other things, enhanced the efficiency of the State Civil Service and has digitalised government administration. Safar’s new role is Chairman of Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED), the GLC tasked to develop Tanjung Aru beach.