Shafie defends dam project, says must consider well-being of majority
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MOHD Shafie Apdal cited the need to consider the well-being of the majority in Sabah’s move to proceed with the construction of a multibillion-ringgit dam in Papar and a beachfront project in Tanjung Aru.
“The dam is a matter of need. It’s not just for the people of Penampang, but also Papar, Kota Kinabalu and others… We need to seriously look at how it will benefit the people as a whole, and not just a particular area,” said the chief minister at the state Law and Native Affairs Ministry’s Raya open house at Wisma Muis in Kota Kinabalu today.
On the Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) project, Shafie, who is also Semporna MP, reiterated that the view of “Sabahans as a whole” is the top priority.
“I’m aware that TAED is seeing a fight over conservation, and there is strong opposition from civil groups.
“We are mindful of this, and will take into account their objections. We are now looking at, perhaps, downsizing the project. For instance, some areas will not be developed (as originally planned).”
On Tuesday, Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony announced that the state government will go ahead with the Papar dam and TAED projects.
He said the dam is needed to cater to the growing population and increased tourism activities after the beachfront project is completed.
The dam will cost RM3 billion, while the initial cost of TAED has been set at RM7 billion. Both projects were introduced by the state’s previous Barisan Nasional administration.
They have been heavily opposed by civil society and state politicians, including DAP’s Jannie Lasimbang and Adrian Lasimbang, and Parti Warisan Sabah’s Darell Leiking and Junz Wong.
Civil groups are angered by the Warisan state government’s U-turn on the projects.
Shafie, however, said Sabahans must “condition their minds” and adopt a rational take on the projects.
He used as an example Sarawakians’ initial opposition to the Bakun hydroelectric dam, which is now making a profit from selling electricity to the state’s Borneo neighbours.
“Now, they are supplying to Brunei and selling to Sabah. (Sarawakians) are now enjoying the fruits of their sacrifice.”
He added that he understands the objection to the two Sabah projects, saying he “felt the same way” when his proposal for the Lok Kawi army camp to be relocated to Semporna, to handle security threats in east coast districts, proved unsuccessful. – June 27, 2019.