S'wak businessman pulls out of Kudat land deal after controversy

KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak businessman Datuk Seri Thomas Hah Tiing Siu, who was linked to a controversial land deal on an island in Sabah's northern Kudat district, has backed out of the deal.

Hah said the decision took into account the controversy stirred by certain groups over his company's plan to invest in an agro-development project in Pulau Balambangan.

"After taking into account the issues and polemic raised by certain parties and having taken due consideration of the issues, it is with full regret that the company has decided to withdraw investment proposals in the development of the agricultural sector in the areas involved," he said in a statement to the media on Monday (Oct 16).

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The statement, which was widely shared over the weekend on social media, was not immediately acknowledged as an official statement by Hah's office, which said it was not an official release as yet.

Hah had initially scheduled a press conference on Friday (Oct 13) but called it off.

He blamed the decision to withdraw the investment on the controversy raised by certain groups.

The deal involving the state government approval of 968.4ha on the island ran into contentious waters with political opponents accusing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor of abusing his power.

In a statement last week, Hajiji said there was no wrongdoing involved and the deal had followed due process.

Hah said his company will write officially to the state government informing it of the decision to withdraw.

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He said the controversy sparked by irresponsible parties had affected the confidence of other investors.

"We are investors interested in exploring new business opportunities in Sabah to boost (its) economic growth and create job opportunities for people in the state, especially in rural areas.

"We are (trying) to bring foreign investment in the form of capital and new technology to Sabah which will be managed by a professional team," he said, adding that as a Sarawakian, he could be considered a "foreign investor" in the state.

Hah also said all matters related to the investment application for the project had gone through the proper process and met all the provisions and regulations set by the authorities.

"It was for the advancement of the state's agricultural sector and strengthening Sabah's food security through proposed animal husbandry and agriculture projects," he added.

He said prior to the approval, the application was referred to the state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry.

"This purpose was clearly stated in each application. The approval had conditions (that) if the company failed to develop the land for its intended purpose, it would be (revoked)," he added.