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HAJIJI’S appointment of Sabin as Mayor of KK is the best decision for Sabah’s capital city. Before receiving his appointment by Hajiji, Sabin has served the Inland Revenue Board as its CEO with distinction. The first ever Sabahan to do so.

He brought to DBKK the culture of strict fiscal discipline, professional governance, compliance, and exemplary efficiency in management.

Thanks to Sabin, DBKK, as many may have already observed, is no longer a passive, slow reacting organisation. It has adopted a proactive stance to solve the many problems, some decades old, that KK residents and visitors have been experiencing. More than that, DBKK is proactively creating ways and means to improve the quality of life of its residents.

Under Sabin as Mayor and assisted by Lifred Wong as his DG, there have been all round improvements in KK. The professional standards and the service level in DBKK have been impeccably raised. Going into DBKK is now a welcoming, pleasant experience. 

I am not saying KK is perfect now. Not quite yet but it is getting there. Turning around KK is a tough, time-consuming job, given the numerous complex problems. Like the Chinese saying of the wiseman, Laozi “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” 

Sabin has taken quite a few steps already. Most importantly, he has laid the ground work which is the hardest part, i.e. he has changed the work culture in DBKK, set in place appropriate policies and started their implementations. 

2. KK HAS GREAT POTENTIALS. KK CAN BE TOP CITY IN THE REGION.

The Malaysian Statistics Department has just announced that Sabah has achieved a phenomenal economic growth rate of 5.1 per cent which is very much in line with Malaysia’s achievement. 

Hajiji’s initiative to restructure Sabah’s economy is bearing fruits even in the stormy global uncertainties. The table shows Sabah’s record of 3 years of economic growth.

2025 has been truly great.

Being the capital city, KK is the greatest beneficiary and can be the largest contributor of Hajiji’s economic strategy. It can also be Sabah’s economic growth engine.

In addition to Hajiji’s economic initiatives and Sabin’s no-nonsense, straight forward management style, KK has many other great assets like: 

[1] Aviation gateway for Sabah, East Malaysia and whole of Borneo. This gateway can be much bigger if the Federal Government allows 6th freedom flights in KKIA.

[2] Increasing Geopolitical importance of Sabah in the context of present global political rivalry between USA/West and China. 

[3] Sabah is Malaysia’s nearest point to China and North Asia.

[4] KK has one of the best sunsets in the world. Several thousand tourists crowd at the Tanjung Aru Beach to watch it every day.

Its beauty on the seafront and nearby islands is unparalleled.

[5] KK is already the dominant tourism hub in Borneo.

[6] KK has the most international hotels. Way ahead of all the cities in Borneo.

[7] KK is host to BICAM [Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation] which is crucial for KK’s development as a commercial hub.

[8] Last and most important, Hajiji has attracted more than RM60 billion investments in the last few years. KK, as the entry point, has and will benefit from this huge inflow of investment either directly or indirectly.

The ultimate economic advantages of KK are that 

[1] It has many natural attractions that are grossly untapped or under-exploited now, that can be Sabah’s tourism valuer enhancer, like world-class sunset, coast lines and premium waterfront infrastructure. DBKK’s new terminal in front of Suria Capital is a good example.

[2] KK has KKIA [despite MAB ‘s bad management, it’s inability to make the toilets work.] with a soaring aviation footprint, and a massive 23.5 per cent surge in passenger volume leading into the current year.

[3] KK continues to cement its role as the undisputed luxury and logistical springboard into Borneo. It has the most international standard hotels in Borneo.

KK has many potentials that can be transformed into real advantages to make KK a top, vibrant and one of the most liveable cities in Asean. 

This can be done, not by Sabin alone or the Sabah government. Inevitably, the YBs of KK and all citizens must contribute in driving KK to the top.

3. YBs’ VITAL ROLES

Foremost, stop the traditional politics of “spoiler”. Don’t criticize for the sake of criticism. Don’t play “heroism” politics. The loudest YBs, in most cases, are the least effective ones. Irrespective of political affiliation [in government or opposition], the YBs can play a constructive role. Criticism is easy, especially for those who want to be political heroes. This is negative politics. Such leaders can only lead KK residents to a dead end. 

Positive and constructive politics is much more than criticisms. In addition to monitoring, YBs who take their leadership roles conscientiously will do the followings:

[a] Study and conduct research into the problems that KK residents are facing.

[b] Consult experts and seek advice where required.

[c] Format policy recommendations and their implementations.

[d] Collaborate with the Mayor and/or DG to produce solutions for KK’s residents.

4. CITIIZENS’ VITAL ROLES

Like problems in many cities, it is the citizens who have created the problems then expect the City Hall to pick up their dirt or to provide 1st class service. Here are some examples:

[1] non-payment or delay payment of assessments is a very serious problem.

This is how bad the problem is:

[a] Accumulative outstanding/overdue/unpaid assessment: RM75.68 million.

[b] Overdue assessment taxes: RM54.30 million.

[c] Accrued interest: RM9.21 million.

[d] Notification notice fees: RM2.16 million.

How can DBKK function efficiently with these financial constraints? How to expect DBKK to provide top-notch service when so many residents don’t pay their assessments. Some of them are hard core debtors. It is a miracle that Sabin has kept the flag flying and improved the service with these financial constraints.

[2] Failure of owners in maintenance of properties.

A city can’t be great if its citizens do not take pride in their properties. There are many properties that are unkempt, like the shophouses in SEGAMA, residential houses in many housing estates [including Luyang] and very sadly, some so called 5* resorts.

[3] Failure to maintain apartments and condos.

Many property developers have failed in their management of apartments and condos for years. 

[4] Discriminate disposal of garbage:

This is common in KK. Illegal disposal of garbage from vehicles, at their residences, into the sea and to the extent of stealing community garbage bins provided by DBKK.

[5] Illegal parking which I have written.

[6] Failure to settle parking compounds. Case number is quite frightening.

5. TRANSFORMING KK INTO A 1ST CLASS CITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. YBs AND BUSINESS COMMUNITIES/CITIZENs MUST DO THEIR PARTS.

This is shared responsibility by DBKK, political leaders, business community and private citizens. 

A well-managed city, besides being a source of pride, can produce extensive social and economic benefits.

No city can be great unless players of each sector play their roles effectively. The ultimate fate of a city can only be determined by the quality of POLITCIAL /ECONOMIC leadership from the elected representatives and each and every citizen.

6. CORPORATE WITH DBKK TO HELP OURSELVES.

This is true in all well managed cities in the world. 

A well-managed city functions as an economic multiplier, converting administrative efficiency and good governance directly into financial growth. When a city’s infrastructure, administration, and public services operate smoothly, it fundamentally lowers the cost of doing business while raising the quality of life and increase in income for its citizens.

Here is a summary of what the ADUNs and KK residents can collaborate with DBKK to create better lives for ourselves.

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]