KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to launch the Penampang Development Plan on November 18.
In disclosing this, the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the historic event, in conjunction with the opening of the National Hawkers and Small Traders Day (HPPK) celebration, will be held in Penampang.
“As the People’s Representative for Penampang, I utilised the funding to support the research and preparation of the Penampang Development Plan report by the Sabah Institute of Development Studies (IDS).
“I also want IDS to consult non-governmental organisations, such as the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI), in order to get further information about the problems and ideas for growth in Penampang.
“At the level of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, I have requested that this year’s HPPK celebration be held in Penampang. In fact, the Prime Minister has agreed and confirmed his presence to inaugurate this celebration.
“Thus, in conjunction with the Prime Minister’s presence, he will also launch the Penampang Development Plan,” he said.
Ewon, who is also a Member of Parliament for Penampang, said this in his speech at the inauguration of the President, Deputy President, and Supreme Council members of the PCCCI at the Sabah Hakka Hall, here on Sunday night.
He stated that the development plan will be an input to the government’s development plan at the federal and state levels.
“With the launch of this plan by the Prime Minister, we can use it as an input to the government’s development plans, including the preparation of the annual budget. When launched by the Prime Minister, I see no reason why the relevant ministries cannot help make this plan a success,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, Kepayan Assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang, Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Tan Sri Andrew Liew Sui Fatt, SME Corp Chairman Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, and Penampang District Officer Francis Chong.
