PBS Labuan reiterates call for autonomy

KOTA KINABALU: A call has been reiterated to grant Labuan, an island off Sabah, the autonomy to manage its economy and to be developed as a Special Development Zone (SDZ).

Parti Bersatu Sabah Labuan division chief Datuk Peter Mak said with its strategic geographical location and naturally conducive environment, Labuan could regain its past successes with the right development and administrative strategies, initiatives, and policies.

“Autonomy in governance, including fiscal matters, would enable better decision-making that benefits the island, with meaningful participation of Labuan residents in the process.

“Similarly, autonomous administration would address the dissatisfaction of Labuan's residents over the apparent lack of development,” he said in a statement on Monday (June 9).

Mak further noted that the construction of the long-promised Labuan-Menumbok bridge remains a major source of frustration, viewed by many as a basic necessity rather than a privilege.

“Ultimately, Labuan's progress under federal control will determine if the 40-year-old decision to make it a federal territory was justified,” he said.

Given the ongoing disappointments and frustrations, it is unsurprising that there are repeated calls to return Labuan to Sabah, he added.

“The success or failure of Labuan under the federal administration serves as a 'report card' on whether the decision to designate Labuan as a federal territory made 40 years ago was a correct move,” he said.