The MP for Labuan has suddenly awakened to the reality that Labuan will be better off as part of Sabah rather than remain a federal territory.
In fact, now is the right time to start the process of returning Labuan to Sabah because the political climate in the nation is conducive for such a move. After 36 years as a Federal Territory, it has become abundantly clear that the only long term solution to Labuan’s woes is to return to Sabah. Labuan cannot continue to hope that the federal government will pour huge amounts of funds to keep Labuan afloat. Labuan is increasingly becoming a heavy financial burden on the federal government which has its own share of financial obligations. Labuan, after all, has only one MP. If Labuan were to return to Sabah, Labuan would get two to three assembly persons in addition to the MP.
The process of returning of Labuan to Sabah can begin with a decision in principle between the leaders of the Federal and the Sabah State governments. Technical committees can be set up to detail the handing over process. This will be followed by the respective cabinets giving its approval before submitting the same to the Conference of Rulers. The final political step will be an amendment to the federal and Sabah state constitutions to return to the old boundaries. With political will, the whole process will take only two years.
Upon Labuan’s return to Sabah, there will be no issue of immigration from Labuan to mainland Sabah as Labuan and Sabah will return to its old status as one immigration zone under the Immigration Act 1959/63. Hence, travelling between Labuan and Sabah will become more convenient. At the moment, Sabah has to maintain immigration control with Labuan because travel from other parts of Malaysia into Labuan is not subject to immigration control. During the current Movement Control Order period, travel between Sabah and Labuan was even treated as inter-state.
Labuan, which is a small island with many undeveloped assets, will greatly benefit by being incorporated as part of the Sabah mainland development that connects to the Pan Borneo Highway with easy access to Sarawak and Brunei. Labuan’s international airport will become more profitable. International travel via Labuan will bring new economic benefits to the Island.
I will not go into the many elaborate promises made when Labuan was federalised in 1984. Looking ahead, Labuan will benefit from the building of the proposed Labuan bridge, the planning of which was cancelled by the federal Pakatan government. The recent appointment of an ex-MP from Peninsula Malaysia to become the Chairman of the Labuan Port is another example of failing to recognise the feelings and sentiments of Labuan people. If the appointee has to be an ex-MP, there are ample for members of parliament at Labuan.
Datuk Yong Teck Lee
SAPP President
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