KOTA KINABALU: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor yesterday said a decision on the fate of the Atkinson Clock Tower would only be known pending the new design for the proposed commercial building next to it.
HAJIJI joining hands with Balang (third right) and other VIPs in the cake cutting during the SHTDA's Raya Open House, yesterday.
“The Central Board members have met today (yesterday) to discuss about the clock tower but no decision is made as they are still waiting for the new design of the building,” he said.
Speaking to reporters during the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority’s Hari Raya open house here, he said the board was expected to meet up a few times before a consensus decision could be made.
“They will then submit a report to me for briefing in the Cabinet. The Cabinet will have a final say on the project,” he said, but did not specify when the report would be completed.
Hajiji however assured the public that the people’s views on the controversial 16-storey commercial building would be taken into consideration.
“We hope to come up with a decision that will be a win-win situation for all,” he said.
The project is a joint venture between SHTDA, as the land owner, and developer Bintang Pulangan Sdn Bhd.
On a call to convert the open space area into a public park, he replied: “This will also be considered.”
He however advised the public to stay calm, assuring them that the Atkinson Clock Tower would be preserved and protected.
The meeting was attended by representatives from SHTDA, the developer, Sabah Museum and Environmental Protection Department.
Responding to a question over the move by an individual to sue the government as a protest against the controversial project, Hajiji said it was any body’s right.
“You can do what you want, we are just doing our job,” he said.
SHTDA chairman Datuk rubin Balang when met at the event said that his previous statements following the controversial project were just meant to defend themselves.
“I am just trying to defend SHTDA as its chairman, I do not mean to fight with anyone. My statements were not intentionally meant to personally criticise (Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister) Datuk Masidi Manjun. He (Masidi) is a friend of mine,” he said.
On another development, Hajiji said SHTDA’s reserve stood at RM50 million, adding that this year, its revenue from joint venture projects was RM10 million.