Penampang development plan practical and visionary, says Benedick

KOTA KINABALU: A comprehensive development plan is being put together for Sabah's semi-urban Penampang district on a "practical and visionary" framework, says Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic).

The Penampang MP and Upko president said the plan was being prepared by the Institute for Development Studies based on the aspirations of his constituents, with the support of various government agencies in the district.

The Penampang Development Plan for 2024-2035 aims to strengthen the local authority and address matters of education and entrepreneurial development, among other areas.

“I want the plan to fulfil the vision for Penampang and at the same time, be practical (in terms of implementation).

"My responsibility as elected representative is to ensure the needed funds are available to make sure it happens," he said on Friday (Sept 15) after a briefing on the plan.

Benedick, who is Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said the plan would be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Nov 18, when he visits the district for National Hawkers and Small Traders' Day.

"I will also ask for an allocation from the Prime Minister for the implementation of small development projects for next year.

"Large-scale projects will have to go through the district development action committee," he added.

In GE15, Benedick wrested the seat from Parti Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking.