Make opinions on beach project known, says Warisan
Published on: Thursday, December 08, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: The public holds the key to save the Tanjung Aru beach and they must take part in the Tanjung Aru Eco-Development public consultation to make their opinions and objections count.Parti Warisan Sabah Vice President Junz Wong said based on the feedback and comments he received, the majority coming through social media, many have lost their hope or are resigned to the thought that they would lose the historical Tanjung Aru beach."I want to remind the public that we have not lost anything yet. This is merely a proposal and a process as required by the Town and Planning Ordinance Sabah Cap141.
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"Nothing is lost until you have given up. If the public chose to ignore the statutory processes and give up without a 'fight', then we have really lost our Tanjung Aru beach. You only lose when you admit defeat," he said during a press conference here, Wednesday.Wong who is also the Likas Assemblyman said the government made it look like it is a done deal and many people assumed it is.However, he said the people must not forget about the Town and Country Planning Ordinance and that the preparation of draft schemes falls under a statutory process."This is public land we are talking about. Not some land use agreed to and enshrined in a land title.
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It will depend on how much the public is willing to contribute to protect their very own Tanjung Aru Beach for the good of our own and future generations," he said.Wong added that the process and transparent consultation are fundamental to its success but the key is ultimately the public's participation.
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Future land use is determined through draft and approved schemes which the local authorities prepare, he said."But there is a statutory consultation process. I know what you might be thinking but we cannot allow the government to think that they can do what they like particularly when the consultation process is law and the local authorities are obliged to hear every objector in person."In short, the public can fight against TAED when they realise how important the consultation process is."Thus once again I can't emphasise enough that it is extremely important for everyone to come together and participate in the due statutory process of this public consultation to make your opinions and objections count. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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