Chan Loong Wei (left) and Chen Ket Chuin
KOTA KINABALU: Chan Loong Wei expressed profound disappointment over the baseless political statements made by Warisan Supreme Council member Chen Ket Chuin regarding Sabah’s industrialisation.
The Political Secretary to the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister clarified that he is in direct contact with Chen Ket Chuin and his aide TV Yong from Warisan and contrary to the unfounded claims, he has communicated to arrange a visit to Kibing’s factory, expected in January.
He said the invitation was extended not only to Chen but to all State Assemblymen in Sabah, including those from the oppositions, such as Warisan.
“It is irresponsible of Chen to make such remarks and slander the integrity of the Minister’s office. I have been in contact with him immediately after understanding the issue.
“I personally texted him on December 20, 2023, Wednesday, to clarify that we will extend a formal invitation to him to join in the visit to Kibing’s factory alongside the State Assemblymen in January. Both he and Yong acknowledged my messages,” said Chan in a statement.
Chan was disappointed with Chen’s attempt to gain political mileage through baseless accusations. He said he was also concerned about Warisan’s new generation of leaders and questioned the contradiction in Chen’s actions, choosing to visit Menara MAA rather than Kibing’s factory in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
Chan also rebutted Chen on how Kibing has helped Sabahans with better jobs, giving examples of local Sabahans employed in various roles with competitive salaries.
“I personally have juniors and former classmates, local Sabahans, working in various departments in Kibing.
“I would also share a few examples for Chen. Thomas from Keningau is now serving in Kibing as an electrical engineer, his monthly salary is more than RM3,200.
“Salina from Tawau, serving as customer service and office manager earns more than RM7,000 monthly in Kibing. Lim who is also from Tawau is earning more than RM4,000 monthly while serving as a marketing executive.
“These are true and real-time examples in Sabah; I can show Chen personally during the visit in January, he can ask the locals himself,” said Chan.
He denounced Chen’s ongoing unprofessional and inappropriate behavior towards foreign investors who are actively contributing to Sabah’s industrialisation and economic growth.
He underscored that even the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (MITI), Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz, has praised Kibing’s investment and its positive impact on job creation for Sabahans.
“Is this how Chen or Warisan would treat genuine investors? The Federal Minister himself gave credit to Kibing, but Chen remains unappreciative,” questioned Chan.
“Perhaps I did not emphasise enough. Let me plea once again: it is high time for Sabahans to unite for a bigger cause and make Sabah an industrialized state. Let’s refrain from resorting to vicious political attacks; instead, we can work together to attract investors to invest in the solar industry in Sabah,” said Chan.
“We must be fair to Kibing; they produce solar glass, a component of the solar panel. With their presence, we can attract supporting industries of the solar panel industry to invest and manufacture in Sabah.
“Rome is not built in a day; we must be realistic about the pace of industrialization. If Chen continues to belittle these efforts, it will not help Sabah advance at all,” he added.
Chan said despite Chen’s relentless political attacks, he will still invite him to join the visit in January to show the true facts behind Kibing’s investment.
