Friday, July 25, 2025

Tuaran MP: Federal Government should return Labuan to Sabah

Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau says many now regret the 1984 decision, island is underdeveloped and unemployment high other than the oil and gas sector

KUALA LUMPUR — The Federal Government should return Labuan to Sabah, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has proposed.

He said this suggestion stems from claims from Labuan 

“Compared to Putrajaya, an area spanning 8,000 acres or 32 sq km, the federal government has provided substantial compensation to Selangor, but Sabah has not received a single cent.

“When Sabahans and Labuan residents openly protested against this move, they were arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

“Regardless of Sabah’s intention in handing Labuan over to the federal government on April 16, 1984, many believe that this decision was regrettable,” Madius said on Facebook.

The Upko honorary president, whose part is with Pakatan Harapan, said Putrajaya’s efforts to establish Labuan as an international offshore financial centre have also failed.

“There is nothing the government has done in Labuan that they can be proud of. It has caused more problems than development.

“During my time as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB), I realised that without ASB, there is nothing in Labuan. With ASB and its business activities, over 5,000 people have gained employment.

“For your information, ASB is a subsidiary of Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (SEC), a fully-owned government-linked company of the Sabah government. In other words, the development of Labuan is attributed to the state government,” he said.

Madius had previously aised his call for Labuan’s return to Sabah during the Dewan Rakyat session in March.

He said that Labuan’s unemployment rate remains high, despite being handed over to the federal government for a long time, with various tax acts introduced and passed.

He added that Labuan’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) which is the second highest in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur, at RM85,560, believed to be due to activities in the local oil and gas sector.

Last year, former Chief Minister and President of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Datuk Yong Teck Lee, suggested that Sabah initiate negotiations with the central government to reclaim Labuan, restoring the original state boundaries at the formation of Malaysia in 1963. – scoop.my

Hot this week

Sabah and Sarawak also paying for Malaysia’s multibillion-ringgit debt spent in the Peninsula: A Federal Injustice

By Ir. Joseph LakaiMiri, Sarawak Sabah and Sarawak are among...

Sabah on the right track

Goh...Hajiji and his team deserve a strong mandate from...

Efficient water gravity system, upgrading Telibong Water Plant can solve  water shortage  in Inanam

Lewis... Residents are suffering, no rain means no water. Sungai...

Graviti air cekap, loji di Telibong mampu selesai isu air di Inanam: Lewis

Lewis Wong Sistem air graviti Kampung Kionsom kini ...

A new wheel chair for senior citizen from Azis Jamman

Inanam Warisan officer Lewis Wong (2nd left) with other...

Topics

Sabah on the right track

Goh...Hajiji and his team deserve a strong mandate from...

Efficient water gravity system, upgrading Telibong Water Plant can solve  water shortage  in Inanam

Lewis... Residents are suffering, no rain means no water. Sungai...

Graviti air cekap, loji di Telibong mampu selesai isu air di Inanam: Lewis

Lewis Wong Sistem air graviti Kampung Kionsom kini ...

A new wheel chair for senior citizen from Azis Jamman

Inanam Warisan officer Lewis Wong (2nd left) with other...

Align community-based tourism with global trend – Joniston

Joniston at the Program Jejak Kanser at Pekan Kiulu KIULU...

Anak Negeri calls for urgent re-audit and reform of underperforming Sabah state GLC

Trevor...Sabahans especially the young generation, deserve a better future...

Sabah must prioritise passengers safety and dignity at KKIA

Chin...use of aerobridge should be enforced at all Sabah...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img