Govt to resettle squatters

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KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has outlined several approaches to resettle squatters, said Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang.

“The State Government is concerned about this issue because we know that if the squatters are not well-controlled, it can lead to social problems.”

Teo, who is also the president of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said the issue of squatters had been a longstanding problem.

“The State Government has outlined a few approaches for resettlement (of squatters), not just in one of two places. There are plans,” he assured.

Teo said this when asked by the press about the plans of the State Government on squatter houses following the detention of six suspects by security forces on suspicion of providing information to foreign criminals during a massive joint operation in Telipok on Saturday.

On another note, Teo expressed his confidence in the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in terms of their action and intelligence received in order for them to control problems before issues arose.

“We should support and be confident in our police force because they are doing the best for our State’s security and well-being,” he said at the LDP Chinese New Year open house here yesterday.

The event was graced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, Deputy Chief Minister cum Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Mohd Salleh bin Tun Said Keruak, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister cum Upko president Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Datuk Haji Mohd Ayid, Sabah MCA deputy president Datuk Francis Goh, Sabah Gerakan chief Datuk Gordon Leong, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Sabah Dong Zong president Tan Sri Andrew Liew Sui Fatt, Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr T.C. Goh, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui and Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie.

On the open house, Teo said the atmosphere at the event was festive, especially with the attendance of the Chief Minister, federal and state ministers as well as chairmen of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

“This is the spirit of togetherness which we welcome when we celebrate the festive seasons, be it Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas and Harvest Festival regardless of race and religion.

“We all celebrate these festivals as the children of Sabah, as the people of Sabah.”

Teo said this year would be even more challenging with the current global economy and fall in oil prices.

“But I believe that we can overcome the challenges in the future if we, Sabahans and Malaysians, remain united and embrace positivity, creativity and innovativeness,” he stressed.

Also present were LDP deputy president Senator Datuk Chin Su Phin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum LDP Merotai divsion chief Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Karamunting assemblyman Charles O Pang, LDP vice presidents Datuk Lim Ming Hoo, Chin Shu Ying, Pak Chee Eng, secretary general Datuk Yong Wui Chung, treasurer general Fong Ken Sin, chief publicity officer Albert Kok, organizing secretary Peter Chong, Youth leader Tsang Hieng Yee and Women leader Datin Shim Nyat Yun.