KOTA KINABALU: A public university is needed in Sabah’s east coast to cater to the needs of local and international students, said Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
In urging the government to establish an institution of higher learning for the area, the former chief minister said a varsity will enable qualified but underprivileged students easier access to tertiary education.
Besides that, the Semporna MP said it will open the door for international students from neighbouring counties such as Indonesia to study in the state.
He said the new Indonesian capital, Nusantara, was being built in East Kalimantan, pointing out many of their citizens will surely be exploring where to send their children to further their studies.
“If they go to Jakarta, it’s far and (it’s the same) with Singapore or Kuala Lumpur but to Tawau, it is very near, not even half-an-hour to reach,” he said, after launching a charity event by the Malaysia Headmasters Association Semporna Branch in Semporna on Friday (Dec 20).
Meanwhile, Shafie, who is also Parti Warisan president, urged the relevant parties to be more sensitive and seek views especially from the local elected representatives before demolishing any settlement.
This was after the recent exercise in Pulau Bugaya, a water village in Semporna.
He said proper planning was needed, adding replacement homes should be provided to those eligible so that the people’s lives are not affected.
“They are Malaysian citizens, we can’t be making life difficult for them, we must have a clear policy.
“If we want to redevelop a particular area, ensure there is another location to move those affected,” Shafie said.
The widow of a policeman killed during an ambush in Pulau Simunul, Semporna, following the Tanduo intrusion in Lahad Datu in 2013, had claimed her family home in Semporna was at risk of being demolished.
Sitti Bandora Mahalil said the authorities arrived on Tuesday (Dec 17) to destroy their home which had been there for over 50 years, and refurbished in recent years after her father passed away.
She said she was not in any way trying to fight the authorities or disobey any constitutional laws, but since they have been promised customary rights to the lands they dwell on, she wanted justice.
It is understood that some 50 structures have been demolished, either partially or completely around the area.
When contacted, Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol and district officer Alexander Liew said the operation was led by Sabah Parks.
Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the area involved was under the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, and that the operation was under the Semporna Security Committee.
He said the demolition was necessary for the safety of tourists and there were security risks that have been identified.
He also said that only new structures from “newcomers” to the village were destroyed while original houses were not torn down.
