Conduct study on best time for 15th General Election: Shahidan. "First local appointed to LC’s highest post"
Published on: Tuesday, September 20, 2022
By: Bernama
Shahidan (centre) handing over the appointment to Rithuan.
LABUAN: Labuan-born Rithuan Ismail has been appointed as Labuan Corporation Chief Executive Officer, effective Oct 1 to Sept 30, 2024.He replaces Dr Fary Akmal Osman whose contract expired on Oct 8, 2021.ADVERTISEMENT
Rithuan, 54, the first local Labuan appointed to the highest executive post in the local authority, had served with the LC since 1994 when it was known as Lembaga Pembangunan Labuan before being elevated to a corporation in 2001.
He graduated from Mara Institute of Technology (now known as UiTM) with a Bachelor in Business Administration, and a Master in Business Administration (Economic and Accounting) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim presented the appointment letter in line with subsection 10(1) of the Labuan Corporation Act 2001 (Act 609) at the Menara Perbadanan Labuan witnessed by LC Chairman Senator Datuk Bashir Alias.
“With his capability and vast experience in the local authority, I’m optimistic Rithuan should be able to lead LC to a greater height,” he told a press conference after handing over the appointment letter.ADVERTISEMENT
Shahidan said Rithuan, along with Bashir, should now focus on attracting local and foreign investors to the island.
“Labuan needs investment to boost its economy. LC must now focus on how it can woo investors and facilitate their investment in this island,” he said.
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Shahidan also directed LC, as the lead agency in this federal territory, to coordinate allocation for development and programmes from among the various government agencies in the interest of the people.
Meanwhile, Shahidan said an in-depth study is needed before the 15th general election (GE15) is held.
He said in view of the anticipated floods at end of this year, it might have an impact on voters’ turnout if the election is held.
“There is a need for an in-depth study whether we should have election this year or next year.
“If the Parliament is dissolved and the floods hit some states, certainly we need caretaker (a government) to tackle flood-related issues. As such, there are pros and cons in having the election this year and next year,” he said.
Shahidan said six of the seven seats in the three Federal Territories won by Umno could still be retained in the coming polls.
He stressed Umno members at all levels must not fail to response to the negative elements in the various social media platforms that could jeopardise the party’s strength.
“As far as we are concerned, a special team that is tasked to rebut and response to the slanders against Umno had done its job,” he said.
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