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By Daniel John Jambun, 17-7-2025
WE take note of the recent statement by Datuk Fredian Gan, CEO of POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, in response to public criticism surrounding the performance of state-backed mega projects, including POIC Lahad Datu - Borneo Post 16th 2025.
As a civil society organisation committed to promoting transparency, public accountability, and good governance, we feel compelled to respond.
It is unfortunate that instead of engaging the public with data, progress indicators, or a project audit, POIC Sabah has chosen to frame critical public discourse as “lies,” “half-truths,” and “anonymous misinformation.” This is an unhelpful and regressive approach to democratic feedback, especially when public funds and public trust are involved.
1. The People Have a Right to Question Public Projects
POIC Lahad Datu is a 20-year-old state initiative, long promoted as a game-changer for Sabah’s industrial and logistics future. It is reasonable for Sabahans to ask:
What is the current utilisation rate of the industrial park?
How many of the promised 3,200 jobs have been created to date?
What is the actual annual output, export volume, or economic contribution of POIC since its inception?
How many investors remain operational versus how many were “paper approvals”?
What were the total public funds invested — and what return on investment has been realised?
These are basic accountability questions, not “political attacks”.
2. The Label of “White Elephant” is a Symptom, Not a Slander
The term “white elephant” used by some social commentators is not baseless. It reflects a growing public perception that mega projects in Sabah often begin with grand ceremonies but result in limited impact on local livelihoods.
POIC Lahad Datu was originally envisioned to industrialise Sabah’s oil palm downstream sector. Today, its focus appears to have shifted toward becoming a “BIMP-EAGA logistics hub” — a worthy ambition, but one that moves the goalposts from its initial intent, while actual outcomes remain unclear.
3. Cautioning the Public Against “Conjecture” Is Not Transparency
We urge POIC Sabah — and all state-linked agencies — to welcome public scrutiny, not suppress it. Criticism, satire, and even harsh commentary are integral to democratic discourse, especially during election season when the public is evaluating the performance of those in power.
Calling such feedback “conjecture” without answering substantive questions creates the impression of defensiveness, not confidence.
4. Sabahans Want Development — But They Also Want Results
The people of Sabah are not anti-development. But after decades of being promised progress, they are justifiably impatient for measurable, people-centric results — not just future plans, MOU signings, or policy announcements.
We urge POIC Sabah to publish a comprehensive public performance report detailing:
Total investments received;
Current operational industries;
Jobs created to date;
Public funds utilised;
Economic outputs over the past 10 years.
Transparency builds trust. Silence breeds suspicion.
5. Let the People Decide — Not Just During Elections, But Every Day
As civil society, we do not seek to politicise development — but we will continue to demand accountability for public investments, and to safeguard the people’s right to question.
We welcome POIC’s stated commitment to long-term development. But such commitment must be matched with data, openness, and measurable outcomes — not defensiveness or blame-shifting.
If there is progress, show it. If there are challenges, admit it. Sabahans are ready to walk alongside institutions that are honest about both.
Daniel John Jambun President of
Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation(BoPiMaFo)
&
Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS).#~Borneo Herald™
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