Govt offices in wrong places

Published on: Tuesday, May 09, 2017

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By Awang Jambul
It is strange that Federal Government would like to have their offices (Headquarters) in Kota Kinabalu.

This is despite their objectives and functions are more needed in other areas of Sabah – such as Sandakan, Lahad Datu or even Semporna.

This has been the practice over the last many years. These Federal Government Departmental heads wanted to be closer to the State Government.

The announcement by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) that it will build its own headquarters at Kota Kinabalu is not appropriate.

MMEA was established to look into Malaysia’s troubled seas such as the East Coast of Sabah: Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau. These places badly need MMEA.

Secondly and not so much on the West Coast particularly the sea of Kota Kinabalu.

Strictly speaking as far as closer to the State Government is concerned, it is not a problem as air flights between these places and Kota Kinabalu numbering more than seven flights a day.

Therefore, why the need for Kota Kinabalu?

It is also worth pointing that the National Park Building just opposite Hyatt Hotel should be moved to the Sepanggar area. This is also true with the Marine Police next to Suria Sabah complex who should also be moved to Sepanggar.

Marina Police duties are at sea and not in the city. With the removal of these agencies – National Park and Marine Police Jetty would provide more space for tourists. After all the city does not need marine police, it has already city police.

Lastly, it is also not understood why the Federal Government created a Maritime Enforcement Agency.

Malaysia is small compared to the USA. As it is the Marine Police and the Navy have little to do.

Malaysia must be having the highest government employments based on population ratio.

Awang Jambul