‘Courthouse won’t be demolished for new devt’

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KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah state government did not say it would tear down the courthouse in the city here for commercial development, State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah said yesterday.

In fact, he said under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, the state government supported the preservation of historical buildings in Sabah, especially in the city centre.

“There is proof that the state government does not just simply tear down historical buildings.

“There is the old post office which now houses the Sabah Tourism Board office while still maintaining its original architecture and the Atkinson Clock Tower which is still standing,” he said at a press conference in response to Sabah Progressive Party’s (SAPP) protest against the state government’s decision to relocate the courthouse to Bukit Punai at Luyang near here.

About 100 SAPP members staged a peaceful protest against the move at Datuk Chong Tain Vun Park next to the courthouse on July 4.

Yong said the government merely wanted to move the courthouse’s operations as the current location was no longer suitable, especially when high profile cases were heard and where parking space was limited.

“Operations will take place at Bukit Punai with better facilities and ample parking space.

“But it does not mean the current courthouse will be demolished,” he explained.

He also said no decision has been made yet on what the current courthouse will be used for in future. — Bernama