Sabah Corridor
The 29th of January was an auspicious day for Sabah and Sabahans as it was their turn to launch their development corridor. Crossing over from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, I was quite anxious to witness the launching of the Sabah Corridor at the invitation of the Sabah Government. Known as the Sabah Development Corridor, it provides an opportunity for Sabah and Sabahans experience an accelerated growth beyond the present level as the Federal Government, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan will pump in the much needed funds to ensure this development. On the State Government's part, the launch is a commitment shown by the State Government to achieve the visions of the State. It is similiar to the Iskandar Development Region of Johor, the Northern Economic Region (NCER) involving the Northern states of Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Perak and the Eastern Economic Region (ECER)involving the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
The Entrance to Sapangar Bay Container Port - the Launch site
The Launch site inside the Sapangar Container Port
Tight Security at the Entrance
Traditional Welcome prepares for the Prime Minister's arrival
The decorated launch stage
Arrival of the Right Honourable Prime Minister and wife
The launch gimmick - comprises of a ship's steering wheel (reminded me of the Pirates of the Carribean)
Other than the Federal Ministers, guests comprised of WHo is Who in the Sabah VVIP list
The crowd comprised of 10,000 audience
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
Visiting the Exhibition
Getting to know Linda at the Corridor Launch
It has certainly been an educational experience for myself as Sarawak prepares for its own Corridor launch. The Sabahans came in droves and were pretty much excited about the launch of their very own Corridor. I wish to thank those in the SDC Launch organising Committee like Mdm. Gwendolyn of the Sabah State Secretary's Office (State Economic Planning Unit), Mdm. Maria Chong and Tuan Haji Paizan of the Sabah Chief Minister's Office for the opportunity. I am hoping that our Sarawak Corridor will also be launched soon. Tentatively it is to be held at the Bintulu Promenade on 11 February 2008. For Sarawak, it is not the scale of the launch that is important. Launching the Corridor is a sign of commitment of the Sarawakians towards the future development of the State.
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