Sabah Shipyard world’s 3rd most modern
Published on: Thursday, October 01, 1981
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Addressing some 520 employees of the Sabah Shipyard at a dinner, Chief Minister Datuk Harris Mohd Salleh said the Sabah Shipyard uses the syncrolift, a ship lift, which is the third largest in the world which eliminates the need for slipways and drydocks for ship repairs.
He said although the shipyard would be the second largest in Malaysia in terms of modern facilities it will be “the best”. Datuk Harris cautioned however that the shipyard’s extent of success would depend largely on the staffs efficiency and dedication o duty.
“It is for you to make it one of the best in the world because all the modern facilities are at your disposal,” the Chief Minister said.
He pointed out that two decades ago “no one dreamt” that one day such sea-going ships would be built on this tiny island because then the people used to build wooden boats using softwood or Pulai.
“Today you build 8,000-tons ships which proves that we have the capacity and ability to do things properly and efficiently.
“Some people were skeptical when we first mooted the shipyard but we have proved that we can make a success with strong will and dedication. With the assistance and cooperation from friendly countries who are willing to teach us and transfer technological knowledge we will succeed.”
He added that the shipyard would instil pride and inspires self-confidence among the people.
Datuk Harris said the activities of the shipyard would contribute positively towards the economic activities and trade of “the world because the ships you build will carry goods to world markets,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister said that industrial development was the only hope for the economic progress of the island because the scope for agricultural and fisheries development here is very limited.
In other districts development was taking place in various fields while industrialisation was the answer for the island which was in line with the Government’s policy that it must be fair to all districts in providing economic upliftment.
The Chief Minister urged the staff to work not only for the sake of wages but also “for the State, nation and to make this a better place to live in.”
“You must make this shipyard famous not only in the Asean nations but throughout the world by making it most efficient, competitive and ensuring high quality performance so that it can compete with the rest of the world.
The Chief Minister said that the appointment of Datuk Lai Fook Kim as the executive chairman of the shipyard as from today was to draw on his vast business experience and provide good leadership because the success was largely dependent on the quality of leadership in any organisation.
“Datuk Lai is a well known self-made entrepreneur who has made enough for himself and his future generations.
“He has accepted the Government and the State by accepting the position without any remuneration and spending his valuable time to improve the efficiency and management of the company. He was at first reluctant to accept the position but has accepted because we need willing and capable persons to serve.
“I am confident that with his experience and knowledge the shipyard will succeed and progress,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the Government will give its whole-hearted support.
He assured the workers that the management would be fair to them but added that the workers in return should be fair. Among those who were present at the function held at the premises of the shipyard included the visiting Sarawak Minister of Forestry, the Speaker of the Sabah Legislative Assembly, Datuk Mohd Sunoh Marso, Senator Datuk Haji Mohd Din Jaffar, the Assemblyman by Labuan, Encik Jamal Nordin and senior staff of the shipyard.
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