Dialogue on Sabah’s infrastructure devt

KOTA KINABALU: The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS), in collaboration with Coalition 3H, is organising a dialogue entitled Inclusive Dialogue Between Stakeholders on Infrastructure Development in Sabah for the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) on Tuesday, October 22, at the IDS Hall, Wisma Sedia here.

In a statement yesterday, IDS acting chief executive officer Anthony Kiob, said Sabah will potentially see some of the most intensive infrastructure development in the region over the coming decade, including highways, ports, dams, tourism and mining projects which will have significant economic, social and environmental impact on the state.

“In order to make thoughtful and informed decisions that could support Sabah's continued development on a sustainable path, in-depth examination of benefits and costs over the short and long-term, as well as assessment of relevant policies and plans, are much needed,” he added.

“As the preparation of 12MP is currently in progress, both the State and Federal government have been conducting engagement sessions to gather feedback from stakeholders to ensure the execution of 12MP will be more inclusive,” said Cynthia Ong, chief executive facilitator of Forever Sabah.

Acknowledging the importance of extensive planning in the development of Sabah, IDS and Coalition 3H has initiated the one-day dialogue to bring all sectors - government, industry, academia and non-governmental organisations - to engage in an open spirited discussion to examine both top-down and bottom-up approaches in key areas of infrastructure development in Sabah in a holistic and transparent manner.

Two papers will be presented during the session, which will be the Overview of Infrastructure Development Projects in Sabah under the 12th Malaysia Plan by the Ministry of Rural Development; and Overview of Infrastructure Development Projects Concern in Sabah by Coalition 3H.

A panel discussion with the theme Policy and Legal Ecosystem for Infrastructure Development in Sabah, will be moderated by Chong Vun Then, deputy CEO of IDS, and the row of panelists are YB Assafal @ Samsul Kamal P. Alian, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Dr. Ismail Simon Charles, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Edward Lingkapo, deputy director of JKR, and Holly Jonas, Legal Innovation Program, Forever Sabah.

About one hundred participants, from both public and private sectors are expected to participate in this dialogue. Any inquiries can be directed to Sharlyna Grace at 088- 450 500.