‘My vision is to narrow Sabah-Peninsula development gap’

Prime Minister Najib Razak says the Sabah Pan Borneo Expressway is the greatest project ever to be implemented in Sabah.

TAWAU: Prime Minister Najib Razak says his vision as the Prime Minister is to narrow the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

He said he believed the vision could be realised, being that the government, led by Barisan Nasional (BN), not only had the confidence of the people, but also understood their needs, aspirations and desires.

One of the high-impact projects being awaited by the Sabah people, he said, was the 1,236 kilometre Pan Borneo Expressway project, costing RM12.38 billion.

He said upon completion of the project in 2022, it would change the landscape, socio-economy and development in Sabah.

“It is proven that you have confidence in the BN government. Indeed, we have vision for the country and Sabah, the land below the wind.

“I, as the prime minister, want to see the development gap between Sabah and the peninsula narrowed and balanced so that Sabah will be more developed under BN,” he added.

Najib was speaking at the opening of the Pan Borneo Expressway project for the Tawau-Sandakan package, stretching five kilometres, here today.

Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Works Minister Fadillah Yusof and Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Meanwhile, Najib regarded the Sabah Pan Borneo Expressway project, which stretches from Sindumin to Tawau, as the greatest project ever being implemented in Sabah.

He said when completed, the project was capable of becoming the catalyst for socio-economic development in Sabah, including to spur development of the state’s tourism sector, as well as providing opportunity for Sabahans to venture into more competitive businesses.

“We don’t just talk. We can do it, it can be implemented, that is why we have the Pan Borneo Expressway. Pan Borneo will change the landscape of Sabah. There is no project greater than Pan Borneo.

“There may be other projects, but the impact is for a certain area or district only,” he added.

Najib also said no toll would be imposed on the dual carriageway so as not to burden the people.

“That is why we have to ensure the success of this project. I will give full attention to ensure its success.

“Even though the world economy is uncertain, the drop in oil prices, the ringgit (dropping) due to the exchange rate, we will continue to carry out the Pan Borneo Expressway project,” he said.

As such, Najib called on Sabahans to remain loyal to BN so that the coalition would continue to helm the government to ensure all development plans could be implemented smoothly.

He said the Pan Borneo Expressway project could be regarded as a gift for Sabahans for supporting the BN government.

Najib also said he would be in Lahad Datu in September to launch the Pan Borneo Expressway project in the district.

He also told security members to ensure tight security in the east coast of Sabah to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

“Ensure the Royal Sulu do not come, if they do, we chase them out. There is no pardon. This is Sabah. Sabah is independent in Malaysia,” he added.

— BERNAMA