DAP lauds transshipment hub plan, but calls for end to Cabotage
Published on: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: DAP Sabah has welcomed the statement by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan that the State Government plans to upgrade the Sepanggar Port to become a transshipment hub for the Asean region.DAP Sabah Chief Jimmy Wong agreed that the move would certainly boost the local economy by strengthening the State's industrialisation.Wong, however, said it should be done in conjunction with the abolishment of the Cabotage policy as this policy remained the obstacle which had limited the free trade of shipping between East and West Malaysia.
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"It is true that Sabah has a very strategic location to push its trade and shipment hub, but we must ensure that Sabah is given hundred per cent freedom of trade in the region so we can fully develop our potential in sea trading. "What is the point if you have a big transshipment hub but the Cabotage policy is still there to block these potential traders from coming into Sabah freely?" he asked.Wong, who is Kota Kinabalu MP, said that despite the Government having good vision and planning, it always failed to impress the people because of a lack of implementation according to plan."So, I challenge the Government not to talk only but walk the talk by tabling a bill to amend in Parliament and move a motion in the State Assembly to amend the Cabotage policy and return the right of free trade in Sabah to show the sincerity and political will to make a change and develop Sabah.
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