Labuan BN election manifesto outlines seven economic pillars





LABUAN, April 29 (Bernama) -- Labuan Barisan Nasional (BN) today launched its first day election campaign for the 14th general election (GE14) with the unveiling of its manifesto, focusing on seven pillars to take the duty-free-island to greater heights in tandem with the national development.

The seven pillars are to realise the construction of Labuan bridge to mainland Sabah via Menumbok, to ensure robust and sustainable economic growth on the island, to upgrade public amenities and infrastructure and improve the quality of health and security.

It also outlines efforts to improve the education sector, create more employment opportunities, preserve unity and people's wellbeing and to realise the tourism plan of Visit Labuan 2021.

When launching the manifesto, BN candidate Datuk Rozman Isli, who is defending the Labuan parliamentary seat, said the seven pillars were set to transform Labuan into a vibrant business environment in line with the aspiration of becoming an island with international standards.

"With the launching of the manifesto, the BN leadership here is determined to develop the various industries to help turn Labuan into a smart, sustainable and attractive regional island."

"As such, we need a large mandate from the people in this GE14 for us to pursue and realise this big dreams for the island and the people as a whole," he added.

Rozman said the proposed construction of the bridge, expected to commence next year and completed in 2023, would be a 'game changer' to help transform Labuan's economy and that of its surrounding areas, such as Menumbok, Kuala Penyu and Beaufort.

He was optimistic the bridge completion would spur the island's economy, thus creating employment and business activities.

"Despite the completion of the bridge, the Labuan's status as duty-free-island will remain," he said.

Rozman, who holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Asian Institute of Management, said efforts were in the pipeline to establish new potential areas for tourism, education, business and recreation with international standards.

"It is also our aim to see the Labuan Airport and Labuan Port playing major roles as international regional logistic hubs," he said.

-- BERNAMA