Labuan : In the Arms and In the Embrace

During my recent visit to Labuan, i took the time to have political discourse to get further insight and perspective about many Labuan related topics from local NGO, political member and non-political friends. Being Labuan born and bred, i have always had Labuan at the back of my mind and continued to stay abreast with its development and politics.

At this point of writing, here below is what you should be aware of if you are about to read through my post.

1. YB Datuk Rozman who won the recent election under BN ticket migrated to Sabah based political party named Warisan.

2. The recent appointment of DS Amir for the administrative body called Labuan Corporation is a member of a Malaya based political party, Amanah.

Looking at this scenario along with the viewpoint from shared insights I've gathered throughout including during my recent visit, i find that Labuan is at a Political and Administrative Crossroad, or perhaps Chaos?. You decide.

Since BN was the winner of the last election and YB Datuk Rozman Migrated to sabah based party Warisan and the appointment of Malaya based party Amanah, DS Amir as the Chairman of Labuan Corp. The ultimate question is, the development and Labuan future would be based on whose aspiration and vision? Labuanites? Clearly this is not that case since no one represents the voice of the majority, in addition, DS Amir, is just an administrator on behalf of federal territory, especially since he is there based on political appointment.

Then one asked, When it comes to the interest and political will for island socio-economic development, who will be driving force? Warisan? Amanah?, Old friends in BN?, Personal gain at the administrative level? Federal Territory? Sabah?, labuanites? who?

There is two so-called local based NGO that claimed are there for the interest of the islander, claimed to be apolitical, yet i am told that the leaders and influencers are serving two different interest group / political camps. One was created out of YB Rozman support and past initiatives and the other has DS Amir as the Chairman.

What about those original Warisan supporters and party initiators in Labuan, how much weight do they have in this somewhat puzzling political equation.

Let's take two recent projects as an example.

1. the bikers race track.
   The project was a proposed project during Barisan Nasional reign in Labuan. While the inside story is that there are little interest for this project to be continued, however with some political pressure and positioning it seems that it might be taking off.

Question: This project is based on whose interest exactly, the old friend in BN or is this what really the islander sees as a necessity.

Some question, Was there a cost-benefit analysis did on this BN proposed project. There are so many project-based initiatives done in Labuan, however most islander claim that those project is not impactful to Labuan economic development. I was told that even the former PKR labuan head was opposing it in the past, but his recent appointment in the LC advisory council have seems to make his voice dissappear.

2 . Kuraman Island, China Investment Project
I am told that this project is somewhat a card used by DS Amir to position his capabilities as the new Chairman for Labuan corp, bringing in investment and a new vision for Labuan.

Question : CBA ? Impact on Marine Ecosystem? local fishers livelihood? What is the deal like with such a huge investment, in term of land ownership, Manpower, Building Material Resource, economic and social impact? would it be in line with Labuan vision, and exactly which vision?

I am not saying it is a bad idea, i am just saying more assessment and transparency along with participatory from other interest group is may be needed prior and throughout the process as such mega-project could have the long-term negative impact to the islander.

This post is not intended to be critical of any good intention for a Labuan turnaround nor to degrade any political figures, party or individual, It is merely observation and information received throughout my process of gathering insight and analysis.

In addition to the above, i would like to highlight the few key points;

1. I notice some islander has started bitching about DS Amir, claiming that his absence from Labuan for years is deemed unfit to be the Chairman of Labuan Corp as not many labunites knows him.

I would like to argue that such statement is plain ridiculous, are the measure of a good Labuan Corp Chairman should be based on the years of absence from Labuan or his capabilities and career experiences?, his absence is purely his years of acquiring experience that would benefit the island.

Such a mentality is sad, it is as if one is saying that my time spent at UK and KK makes me unfit to serve the island since not everyone would know me. If the work KPI is based on popularity than we are so screwed.

2 . YB Datuk Rozman has made a great move to be with Warisan. While such move is claimed by some are due to political survival, but i see it as political maturity, strategical positioning based on timing and commitment for the betterment of Labuan island based on his experienced assessment in dealing with Federal Territory in the past.

3 . Yes , there is already some effort to ensure all those involved is given placement to ensure further uncertainty, the appointments of LC advisory council for instance, but like always, such appointments doesnt satisfied certain groupings.

4 . I believe... Yes, we are at a political and administrative crossroad. Yes, there is unclear common vision and direction for Labuan but if all stars aligned, ego is put aside, ridiculous slanders stop, political rhetorics end and common ground is reach. There is a great chance for labuan to position herself well in the arms of Federal Territory and in the embrace of Sabah State to benefit the island and her people.

Labuan is indeed in a very unique position, this is the right time and our chance for a huge turnaround to tell Federal territory that we are fed up with their half-hearted interest in growing Labuan potentials and collaborating with Sabah state that we no longer want to be just an island FT, We got so much to offer in supporting nearby mainland town and lets compliment each other strength to ensure its a win-win for all. Show me your commitment to loving us and Let's start with figuring out how to get this bloody bridge up.

End.

Check out my previous post on Labuan and my event there.