CC Pung’s dose of philosophical musings.
Justice of Peace.
Tokoh Wartawan Sabah and Labuan.
I think this newspaper chose this story as its lead of the day for a naughty reason, that is to showcase the shallowness and the audaciousness of the call to stop the talk about calls for the return of Labuan to Sabah’s jurisdiction.
Who is this man telling others what they should or should not debate on? Every Sabahan is a stakeholder although that island may have been declared a Federal Territory and came under federal administration about 40 years ago.
The than state government thought that surrendering the island to the central government could accelerate its growth.
But nothing like that happened.
Sabah’s currently widespread sentiments reflect unhappiness with the Malaya- controlled central government which is accused of not honouring the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
This template of displeasure is being applied to Labuan which is a lament of unfulfilled promises and potentials.
Why shouldn’t t Sabahans be complaining?
Isn’t it natural that they are having second thoughts about giving away a once tax free haven?
Debate is healthy, isn’t it?
One does Umno abide by an unheard-of set of wisdom?
This Umno gentleman looks not much older than Labuan’s years as a Federal Territory.
Perhaps he isn’t aware of the hollowness of the island’s status as an Intternational Of mmshore Financial Crntre, or IOFC.
Because Labuan-registered IOFC companies are allowed to have their officer outside Labuan, for example in Kuala Lumpur, the assumed economic spinoffs never occurred in Labuan where IOFC companies mostly keep one-room offices.
Some of them are not even manned!
I think Labuan is a legitimate issue that Sabahans should be debating about.
It generates an awareness that people elected officials must be held accountable when things go wrong.
And, to put it bluntly, Sabah can trust Kuala Lumpur at us own peril.
Editor: The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Talantang.
