Media statement by Dr. Hiew King Cheu in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday, 20^th March 2012:

New FT Labuan military camp unutilized

The people question on the logic and reason why the new multi-million ringgits spent on building the new military facilities / complex in the FT Labuan at the road junction of Jalan Batu Arang and Jalan Durian Tunjong is not being utilized until today upon its completion some years ago. They said why until today they don't see any activity there and the place seemed abandoned.

The military complex comprised of many block of building and the purpose of constructing this complex is unknown. There is another existing military camp believed belonging to the Air Force just next to the new complex which is also empty without any activity.

I was brought to visit the location during my working trip to FT Labuan recently. I was totally surprised when I saw the new huge complex is sitting there empty without any activities. There is not a single person in the camp and the similar situation happened to the old camp next door. Both of the camp took up a very big land area quite near to the Labuan Airport.

This is highly irregular and I believe that huge sum of tax-payers' money had been used to construct this camp and definitely something is seriously wrong, otherwise why should the camp is not in full use. I demand the Ministry of Defense to explain on the reason why the camp is completed and not being utilized? What is the total sum used in the construction work? I also wish to know what sort of activities will be put there and why the old camp is not being used and why just left empty?

Many people have in view that the military camp of this size under the MOD should not be left to sit empty like this, and further more these buildings can be used in many other purpose, and even for civilian purposes. It is a total waste to allow these to sit still and become rotten soon.

MOD should explain to the people and to take action to rectify the situation without further delay.

* Dr Hiew King Cheu, MP for Kota Kinabalu