Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden (center), the newly appointed Wali or Ceremonial Head of the Bangsamoro Government, begins his duties during the commencement of the third session of the regional legislature on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Cotabato City. On the lower seats are Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim (lower left) and Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong (lower right). (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Newly appointed Wali, Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden, is committed to supporting the Bangsamoro Government in crafting key legislation for a better nation as he begins his duties as the Ceremonial Head of the Bangsamoro.
“As Wali of the Bangsamoro, I would like to express my sincere commitment to support the priority agenda, plans, and policies of the Bangsamoro Government in line with building a good nation,” the Guiamaden said during the opening ceremony of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament’s Third Regular Session on May 14, 2024, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) here.
As part of the ceremonial tradition, Guiamaden banged the ‘gong’ to formally open the regional legislature’s third session.
Pursuant to the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, Guiamaden’s appointment followed deliberations during a Special Session on Monday, May 13, where Bangsamoro lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing him as the new Bangsamoro Wali.
The resolution highlighted Sheikh Guiamaden’s character and his six decades of dedicated service to the religious and cultural advancement of the Bangsamoro people.
The Wali expressed his gratitude to the Council of Ulama and leaders, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, and Speaker Atty. Ali Pangalian Balindong for their endorsement and consensus on his appointment.
“The blessed month of Zul-Qaedah 1445H marks one of the historic events in opening the 3rd Regular Session of the Second Bangsamoro Transition Authority, manifesting the aspiration for the unity of the Bangsamoro people through love, brotherhood, and compassion,” he said.
He added, “We must preserve this spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood, love, and unity despite the diversity of culture, tradition, and belief.”
The Wali’s duties include administering oaths of office, attending public events, and holding essential powers, such as dissolving the Parliament upon the Chief Minister’s advice in the event of a vote of no confidence against the government and calling for new elections.
Brief Background
Born on September 20, 1963, in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Shari’ah with a major in Islamic Jurisprudence and its principles from the University of Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He also served as Chief Justice of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Shari’ah Court in Camp Abubakar As-Siddiq in Maguindanao del Norte.
As the representative of Bangsamoro in the State of Qatar, he was associated with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs for 27 years and was one of the founders of the Philippine Muslim Federation in that country.
He also congratulated the members of the parliament for their commitment and hard work in completing all the approved bills and adopted resolutions for the Bangsamoro’s welfare, to achieve the aspiration towards Moral Governance.
“I also understand that the efforts of all the members of the parliament, ministries, and other offices are not enough to address the needs of our communities in a short period.
Consistent hard work, courage, perseverance, and patience are our tools to reach the just system needed for the people to enjoy a peaceful environment and prosperity,” the Wali underscored. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
