SUDC defies stop work order – KKCCCI
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui has condemned the action of Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC) in disrespecting Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal's directive and Mayor Nordin Siman's order to stop work on the 7,200 square feet of disputed land which has been reserved for education purposes.
"Despite the said directive and stop order, SUDC has continued with its construction of the Star City redevelopment project," he said.
Lui said Nordin had confirmed to the media last Saturday that the development plan (DP) and building plan (BP) for the intended Star City redevelopment project had not been approved and a stop work order was duly issued to the contractor of SUDC to cease work until the DP and BP had been approved by the relevant authorities.
"Therefore, why is SUDC so hasty in commencing work without first obtaining approval from the relevant authorities?
"Why can't SUDC expedite the submission of the report as requested by the State Cabinet for a win-win solution to be decided for all the parties concerned?" Lui asked at a press conference here yesterday.
Instead of waiting for the State Cabinet's decision, he said, SUDC had proceeded with its construction on the disputed land while ignoring all laws and authorities.
"We, the Chinese community, teachers, students' parents and ex-students of Chung Hwa School, would like to know the truth of the matter.
"There is indeed a growing voice from the Chinese community to report the matter to the relevant authorities for further investigation," he said.
Lui said KKCCCI would not rule out the possibility of requesting the relevant authorities to investigate the matter to protect its interest over the said land.
"We will take all measures to defend our land and claim what is rightly ours at all costs, not even an inch less."
He said the chamber also trusted the cabinet under the new government in making the right decision for the people.
"We are still waiting patiently for the State Cabinet's decision and the outcome of the report from the Lands and Surveys Department.
"We believe that the State Government will come to an amicable solution that is win-win to both parties."
To his knowledge, Lui said the Lands and Surveys Department had concluded its investigation and report on the disputed land.
He said the chamber would give the Chief Minister some time to reach a decision.
“If there is still no news from the State Cabinet, KKCCCI will call for a presidential council meeting to decide the next course of action," he said.
“We also hope that the Chinese ministers will assist us in bringing the matter up in the State Cabinet meeting."
On another note, Lui asserted that KKCCCI was absolutely in favour of the investment and trade cooperation between Fujian and Sabah, in line with its stand to welcome more foreign investments to drive the economic growth of Sabah.
"However, we insist that everything must be done in accordance with our laws and requirements, as well as in a transparent and impartial manner."
Also present were KKCCCI deputy president Datuk Chang Chin Shin and executive secretary Tan Kar Seng.