It is high time for professionals to become members of the Labuan Corporation (LC) advisory council, according to an academician.

University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Associate Professor Dr Romzi Ationg said the advisory council had long been lined up by politicians from different political parties.

“The time has come to reconsider the concept of appointing members of the local authority’s advisory council.

“There must be no political interest in highlighting issues for solutions through the council platform,” he told Bernama today.

The advisory council member posts had long been vacant since the change of government last year.

He said professionals are better qualified to provide advice to the local authority on social and economic issues without political interests.

Members of the LC advisory council were previously appointed by the Minister of Federal Territories and consisted of a chairman and six members who were heads of the component political parties and business chambers.

Members of the council will be responsible for advising LC on local government functions performed by the corporation.

Dr Romzi said that as Labuan moves towards a developing state and federal territory, there should be less politicking and more emphasis on economic growth.

He was of the view that working with professionals permits open interaction.

“With no political influence in the decision-making process, the local authority can uphold integrity in the delivery system.

“I believe the LC chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail, who had been with the local authority for years before being entrusted to lead it, should be able to deliver up to the people’s expectations.

“We must give him ample time to perform, and most importantly, close cooperation should be given to him to discharge his duties accordingly,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency