LABUAN: The proposed Labuan-Sabah bridge has remained the hope of the people of Labuan for a long time, says PBS Labuan.
PBS Vice President and the party’s Labuan Division Chief, Datuk Peter Mark, said it is not viewed as a luxury but basic infrastructure and connectivity between Labuan and mainland Sabah.
“Therefore, the provision of this basic infrastructure should not be viewed, though important, solely from the perspective of economic returns but also as part of the Government’s social obligations to the people which will generate much positive returns and goodwill,” he said in a statement, Thursday.
He said PBS Labuan understands the position of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who said the Sabah-Labuan bridge is not a priority compared to more pressing needs, specifically the inadequate and inefficient provision of water and electricity supply on the island.
“We also appreciate the Prime Minister’s concern to urgently resolve the long overdue persistent problematic issues surrounding water and electricity supply and the resulting hardship to the people.
“However, as much as providing long-term solutions to the water and electricity issues plaguing the people is long overdue, also equally important is the construction of the Sabah-Labuan bridge.
“This is the pulse of the people and will remain so.”
Mark said PBS Labuan was glad when the Prime Minister rightly said the proposed bridge is not a priority at the moment but did not shelve the prospect of its construction.
“PBS Labuan is optimistic that Anwar, who always has the welfare of the people at heart, will reconsider the proposed bridge project once the water and electricity supply problems are resolved.
“Once the supply of water and electricity is sufficient for the people and industry, the proposed bridge would realise its full potential in catering to the needs of the people and as an industrial and development enabler.
“This would serve Labuan and the people of Labuan and Sabah as well.”
