______________________________
Speech (2) at a DAP Sandakan dinner-talk        
by Lim Kit Siang  
_________________________________

(Sandakan, Sunday) : The Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor should support the world’s tallest Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) statue project in Kudat as it will be economically good for Sabah and Malaysia by enhancing the nation’s international tourism competitiveness. 

Although Tan Sri Chong Kat Kiat has yet to publicly disclose the reasons for his shock resignation as Deputy Chief Minister and State Minister for Tourism, Culture and Environment on April 13, his oblique reference to resigning over “a matter of principle” raises the question as to whether his resignation concerned the interests of the state, his party or individual self.   

Public speculation over his resignation had zeroed on two issues, viz: 

Firstly, his being forced to “eat dead cat” or unfairly to take the blame for the development of Pulau Sipadan which damaged the unique coral reef of one of the top five diving spots in the world. As a result, it attracted public criticism of the Prime Minister when the Federal Government was embarrassed by the despoliation of the fragile ecosystem of Sipadan which was first exposed and reported internationally by environmental groups. However, it was the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who must bear responsibility for the plans to develop Sipadan. 

Secondly, Chong’s differences with Musa over the former’s plan to build the world’s tallest Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) statue in Kudat which will be a tourist and economic boon for the district, Sabah and Malaysia in enhancing our international tourist competitiveness by drawing tourists from China, Taiwan and Japan. 

I understand land for the world’s tallest Mazu statue as well as donations exceeding RM5 million have been pledged, and that parts for the construction of the Mazu statue are being shipped to Sabah. 

Although the world’s tallest Mazu statue in Kudat had been mooted by Chong, it is a project which is bigger than one person when it is for the good of the larger community – whether Kudat, Sabah or Malaysia. 

For this reason, I propose to meet Tengku Adnan to urge him to support the project to build the world’s tallest Mazu, which will not only be a bonus to Malaysia’s campaign to promote tourism but will also be a symbol of the “Instant Asia” publicity which had been the staple of Malaysia’s tourism promotion in the world.

(29/4/2007)