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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Respect Labuan sentiment on next top LC choice'
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Sohan Das Text Size: 'If this first choice is not available and if someone from outside is appointed he or she should be made to pledge full-time and take up residence on the island,' said activist George Elias. LABUAN: The Federal Territories Ministry should respect popular local sentiments and ensure that the vacant position of Chairman of Labuan Corporation is filled by a local as the past . 'Breaking this tradition will not go down well as a local will be more committed to serve the island and leave a legacy than an outsider who may hardly be around based on past experience. 'If this first choice is not available and if someone from outside is appointed he or she should be made to pledge full-time and take up residence on the island,' said activist George Elias. George was commenting on the response of FT Minister in the PM's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa to Beaufort Member of Parliament Datuk Siti Aminah Aching. Siti Aminah had asked in the on-going session of parliament on the delay in the appointment of a Chairman and whether the residency status of a candidate was an issue. The post was last held by Tan Sri Anifah Aman from Sabah who was appointed to the office on a two-year term effective June 19 2023. In March he was also appointed Labuan Senator. His contributions to Labuan as chairman were questioned by some as more was expected of him as the post offered a good emolument and various perks. Anifah's appointment also sparked controversy with many quarters voicing concerns. Allegations emerged over his absence on the island, involvement in programmes and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce spoke of difficulty in meeting him. George hoped this would serve as a lesson and guidance in making a decision. Labuan folks do not want a let-down second time.' The Minister had said several candidates had been identified for the post and it was in the final phase of selection. She added that the post was important as the chairman played a key role in the strategic development developments (Hala Tuju) of the island and must have commitment to serve and address issues. She said as the person selected would be announced soon. Prior to Anifah all previous chairman of the post since 2001 had been local leaders and among them were Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (three terms) Datuk Rozman Isli, Datuk Bashir Alias and Datuk Amir Hussien. The minister said the residential qualification of the Chairman was not an issue as anyone from Sabah or else where could be selected based on merit. In the meantime the term of the seven-member Advisory Council has also expired. The councillors were Datuk Bashir Alias, Datuk Wong Kii Yii, Puan Noriha Yakup, Hajah Niswati Tarji, Seah Kiat Leong ,Tan So Kiat and Andy Herrdiwardy @ Harris. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Kota Kinabalu-Labuan ferry service resumes
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Hajiji said the ferry service is expected to have a positive impact on State's tourism, especially in the lead-up to Visit Sabah Year 2026. Kota Kinabalu: The passenger ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and Federal Territory of Labuan has resumed after being suspended during Covid-19, strengthening maritime transport links and reopening a vital route for public mobility and inter-regional economic growth. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the resumption is not merely a logistical move but a clear signal of the Government's concern for the welfare of the people in Sabah and Labuan. 'This service is very important to the people. It is not just a transport route, but a connector of families, education, tourism and business that has long existed,' he said when launching the service at the port, here, Tuesday. He said the disruption was due to several factors, including unsafe jetty structures, withdrawal of fuel subsidies for operators and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an immediate solution, the ferry terminal was relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with the operations now fully managed by the Kota Kinabalu Port authority. 'This project also received an allocation of RM1.3 million from the Federal Territories Ministry for improvement works. Advertisement 'I express my appreciation to all agencies involved, including the Internal Affairs and Research Office (PHEDNP), Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), Works Ministry, Federal Territories Ministry and the Suria Group, who have worked together to realise this initiative,' he said. Hajiji said the ferry service is expected to have a positive impact on State's tourism, especially in the lead-up to Visit Sabah Year 2026. 'It also opens up new opportunities in trade and investment between Sabah and Labuan,' he said. He stressed that Sabah and Labuan have a shared history, culture and deep social connections, making this route highly significant for the people of both regions. He said many Sabahans work and live in Labuan, and vice versa. Therefore, the reconnection of the route is meaningful for many. He added that with the resumption, the public has more transport options — via air, overland to Menumbok or directly by express ferry from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan as before. Hajiji said the launch also marks the beginning of a more robust, efficient and sustainable maritime transport framework, in line with the State's aspiration to provide people-friendly and environmentally-friendly facilities for future generations. He assured that the State Government is committed to ensuring no one is left behind due to logistical constraints and that infrastructure development will continue to be driven for inclusive progress. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Sabah Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman and other leaders. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Hajiji: KK-Labuan ferry service to boost economic, tourism activities
KOTA KINABALU: The resumption of passenger ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan would reopen a vital route for public mobility and interregional economic development. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the reactivation of the route was not merely a logistical measure, but a clear sign of the government's concern for the welfare of the people in Sabah and Labuan. He said the ferry service was expected to have a positive impact on the state's tourism sector, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. "This service is crucial for the people. It is not just a mode of transport, but a bridge for family ties, education, tourism, and long-standing business connections," he said. Hajiji was speaking at the launch of the jetty and inauguration of the Kota Kinabalu-Labuan Passenger Ferry at Kota Kinabalu Port here. The service was previously suspended due to unsafe jetty structures, the withdrawal of fuel subsidies for operators, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an immediate solution, the ferry terminal was relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with operational management now fully handled by Kota Kinabalu Port authorities. "The project also received an allocation of RM1.3 million from the Federal Territories Ministry for improvement works. "I would like to express my appreciation to all the agencies involved, including the Office of Internal Affairs and Research (PHEDNP), Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), the Public Works Ministry, the Federal Territories Ministry, and the Suria Group, for working together to realise this initiative," he said. Hajiji gave his assurances that the state government remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind due to logistical barriers, and that infrastructure development will continue to be driven forward for inclusive progress. "May this jetty and ferry service serve as a bridge not only between regions but also connecting relationships, economic opportunities, and the future hopes of the people," he said.