Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh said Labuan’s political and business leaders, Member of Parliament and Senator representing the island’s interests should jointly impress on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to restore the free port status that was granted by the British in the 1880s.
At the same time, he suggested that Customs be abolished similar to Hong Kong and Singapore, saying Customs should be managed where goods enter and not where they leave.
He said if Federal implements policies that do not align with the reality of Labuan people, they could also consider whether to boycott official functions and initiate protests.
He it is the Federal Government that holds the power and funds to shape Labuan’s future.