KOTA KINABALU: Opposition Parti Warisan has outlined a comprehensive economic plan for five zones across Sabah as it unveiled its manifesto here on Sunday (Nov 23) night.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal identified specific programmes for agriculture, aqua culture, downstreaming and opening industries to create more jobs in the various zones.
The party plans to bring back its Education and Innovation Ministry as well as Health Ministry as part of efforts to address severe infrastructure needs, medical and educational requirements in the state.
The manifesto brings back its plan to build the Kudat port that was mooted in 2018 as well.
Among other things mentioned in the manifesto was to implement a better railway network to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and to put in place measures to reduce damage on the road due to heavy vehicles as well as support import and export businesses.
"Our vision is to be free from dependency, ensure economic and social progress for the benefit of all people regardless of race and religion,” said Shafie.
He said Warisan was not here to just win an election but to build a better and more united Sabah.
Earlier when giving details of its manifesto, he said one of their visions is to turn Papar into a university hub while creating international level universities, to reduce and ultimately prevent brain-drain.
This would spur economic opportunities in various fields for the local communities with the creation of these institutions, said Shafie.
The five zones are divided into Zone A to Zone E, with Zone A including Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Kimanis, Keningau, Pensiangan and Tenom and Zone B comprising Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Papar, Tuaran, Ranau and Sepanggar.
Zone C includes Kudat, Kota Marudu, Banggi, Kota Belud and Pitas, while Zone D comprise Beluran, Telupid, Tongod, Sandakan-Batu Sapi, Libaran, Kinabatangan and Libaran and Zone E include Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu and Kunak.
Shafie said if given a mandate and a chance to govern full term, they hope to invest not only in infrastructure, health, education, water and electricity, food security and Internet connectivity but also to develop oil and gas, wildlife and environment protection and hydro dams.
