KOTA KINABALU – The newly-established Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) has set its eyes on China for potential future investments as part of Sabah’s economic recovery plan from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the visit to the economic superpower would be made once the virus situation subsides in the state.
“I am told that the council will visit China once this pandemic subsides to promote investments to Sabah. The good China-Malaysia and Sabah relations bode well for greater investment potential,” he said following the formalisation of the council.
The Sulaman assemblyman said efforts are underway to boost the inflow of domestic and foreign investments and he has met Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last week on such matters.
He noted Muhyiddin had been receptive of Sabah’s needs and priorities for the 12th Malaysia Plan.
He said the meeting with Muhyiddin and several other federal ministers recently was also made to forge greater cooperation with the federal government.
“Our target is to improve the value of investments approved, recorded at RM11.7 billion for the first quarter of 2019, and to prove that Sabah will continue to be an attractive investment destination for foreign investors,” he said.
The setting up of the SEAC, comprising industry players, academicians and NGOs, is to complement efforts to catalyse Sabah’s economic recovery.
Hajiji announced the creation of the SEAC after chairing the council’s special meeting at the Sabah Administrative Centre here.
“The SEAC idea was mooted when the GRS state government took over the helm,” he said.
“Since October of last year, the council has lost no time in bringing together members comprising industry players, academicians and NGOs to brainstorm on a way forward for the state’s economic recovery,” he said.
Hajiji who is also Sabah finance minister said the SEAC is a voluntary effort by appointed members who agreed to serve as advisers to the state in pursuit of economic recovery.
The SEAC is chaired by Tan Sri David Chu Sui Kiong with Datuk Tan Kim Beng as secretary.
Members of SEAC are Tan Sri (Dr) Goh Tian Chuan, Tan Sri Andrew Liew Sui Fatt, Datuk Seri Clarence Bongkos Malakun, Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Md Mansur, Datuk John Lo Thau Fah and Datuk Ismail Abdullah.
The chairman’s liaison officer is Abdul Rahman Md Tahir.
Hajiji said recovery plans must be put in place and turned into actions once the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.
Hajiji also said the formulation of the state’s development blueprint known as the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (Development Plan 2021-2025) is in the final stages of finalisation and will be tabled soon.
“The Hala Tuju SMJ Development Plan will see the involvement of the private sector and this is where we look to the SEAC, among the vehicles to bring change and transform our economy,” he said. – The Vibes, January 11, 2021
