KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has applauded the Federal government for returning the licensing power for exports and import of timber products to the Sabah government.
In welcoming the move, LDP deputy secretary general Datuk Ho Jia Lit said this would spur the development of the state’s timber industry, especially the furniture business.
“The Federal government has recently announced the exemption from cabotage policy for East Malaysia and the liberalisation of the Sepanggar Port.
“With the transfer of licensing power for timber exports and imports back to the Sabah, we believe there will be more good news in time to come.
“This also very much depends on the relentless efforts by the Committee for Revision of Sabah Rights under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) chaired by State Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang,” he said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Plantation, Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur announced that transfer of the licensing power from Malaysian Timber Industry Board to Sabah Forestry Department will take effect June 1.
Licensing power on timber products has been under the Federal government for 25 years.
Ho said the new development was the result of the state government’s effort in its pursuit of more autonomous powers from the federal.
“I hope that the Federal government will restore more powers due to Sabah in other areas in order for the state government to have more autonomy,” he said, adding this includes restoring Sabah rights stipulated in the 20 Points and Malaysia Agreement.
Ho also noted that LDP leaders had on last week paid a visit to the first Chinese Chief Minister of Sabah, Tan Sri Peter Lo.
“Tan Sri Peter Lo is one of the leaders involved in drafting the 20 Points safeguards for Sabah. During the visit, our LDP leaders have expressed their commitment in safeguarding our state rights,” he said.
He pointed out that the matter of Sabah rights involved many aspects including oil royalty, Goods and Services Tax, decisive power in development planning, appointment of more Sabahans to head federal government departments as well as overlapping of federal and state’s jurisdiction.
“The Committee for Revision of Sabah Rights is currently looking into these matters. Therefore, I urge the people of Sabah to back the committee in order for it to achieve its aim in restoring the rights due to the state.
“Supporters of both political divide should be united in pursuing and safeguarding Sabah rights for the benefit of all Sabahans. It is not about propelling the agenda of a particular political party,” said Ho.