LABUAN: It is surprising that that the Board of Directors (BOD) meetings of Labuan Corporation (LC) are held “outside” Labuan when it should be rightfully held on the island Federal Territory.
“Being physically present in Labuan will enable them to feel and better understand the local situation than relying on prepared reports and discuss solutions in a closed conference room elsewhere,” said activist Lau Seng Kiat.
It was understood that the Board members held their meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Among the responsibilities of the BOD, apart from overseeing local government policy formulation, implementation and regional development, is the duty to steer Labuan out of its economic doldrums and towards greater progress.
“Like restoring the full duty free status, check the oil and gas activities shrinkage, create employment opportunities, make Labuan a key tourism destination and bring back the past glory,” said Lau.
Lau said most of the meetings had never been transparent, giving rise to doubts whether it was a useful link in the administration system or just an unnecessary layer of authority.
The BOD comprises six members — a chairman, a deputy and four members. Apart PKR Chairman Simsudin Sidek who is BOD deputy the five others are from outside Labuan.
On another note Lau said Deputy Federal Minister Datuk Lo Sui Fui who is also the MP for Tawau serving under FT Minister Hannah Yeoh should be more involved in important local programmes to lend support and importance as well as mixing with the people and be updated about Labuan.
Lau said since Labuan became Federal Territory in 1984 there had been around 10 FT ministers but not even a deputy from here had been appointed to the post.
“Now it seems the Senator’s post also suffered similar fate since it expired months ago.”
