Calvin Chong
SANDAKAN (June 3): Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong has proposed the establishment of an East Coast Energy Economic Corridor centred on Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau, saying Sabah needs bold reforms and a new development strategy to address long-standing economic and infrastructure challenges.
Chong said the proposed corridor could serve as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and industrial development while tackling issues that continue to burden Sabahans.
Under the proposal, he said Sandakan would be developed as an oil and gas services hub and maritime industry centre, Lahad Datu as a petroleum and industrial processing hub, and Tawau as an international trade and logistics centre.
“Sabahans are increasingly struggling with rising living costs, unresolved infrastructure issues and limited economic opportunities despite the state’s abundant natural resources.
“Small and medium enterprises are facing rising operating costs and can do little more than express their frustration. Young Sabahans who have graduated from universities are finding it difficult to secure suitable employment in their own homeland. Farmers, fishermen and small traders are also facing increasing economic pressure,” he said in a statement on Monday.
According to Chong, many Sabahans are questioning why improvements in living standards have not kept pace with development plans and resource growth.
“Why is it that national resources continue to increase, yet the people are not becoming more prosperous? Why are development plans constantly being announced, but the people still do not experience any real improvement in their standard of living? Why does the government continue to make promises while the same basic infrastructure problems persist year after year?” he asked.
He said the proposed East Coast Energy Economic Corridor was in response to the pressing need for a more focused and effective development strategy for Sabah.
Chong argued that despite being rich in natural resources, Sabah continues to face deficiencies in basic infrastructure and should no longer be hindered by underdevelopment.
“We Sabahans are not against the government, nor are we against the country. What we oppose is inefficient governance, particularly an administrative culture that focuses more on campaigning than on delivering results. True patriotism is not merely about praising the government, but having the courage to point out and solve the problems faced by the people,” he said.
He also called for a more efficient, transparent and equitable development system, stressing that “sustainable growth cannot be achieved through an administration tainted by corruption”.
He said Sabah requires a development model that prioritises accountability, integrity and long-term economic planning to ensure the state’s wealth translates into tangible benefits for its people.
Chong expressed confidence that greater public participation and unity could help drive meaningful reforms and shape a better future for both Sabah and Malaysia.
“Let us work together to build a better, fairer and more prosperous Malaysia in the next election. Let the people become the foundation of national development and ensure that future generations enjoy a brighter future. The power of the people is the power that determines the nation’s future,” he said.
He urged Malaysians to embrace change and support efforts aimed at creating a more prosperous and equitable nation, adding: “Malaysians, the time has come to make a change”.
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