Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie Bin Haji Apdal is the first East Malaysian leader nominated as a prime ministerial candidate in the history of Malaysia, said Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developer Association (SHAREDA) President, Datuk Chew Sang Hai.

“Having an East Malaysian as Prime Minister will spur the political development in the country.”

Chew said when commenting on former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s proposal to nominate Shafie as the prime ministerial candidate for Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus.

He believed that Shafie, as Prime Minister would bring reformative changes in terms of development in Sabah and Sarawak, and more importantly, to restore the rights due to both states under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said Shafie has taken drastic measures to promote property development in Sabah, including implementing a fast-track approval system where development plans (DPs) could be approved within 24 hours, abolishing the Central Board, launching of the Sabah My Second Home Campaign, and facilitating two Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) through the National Finance Council.

Chew said the development of the property sector in Sabah was previously hindered by the delay in approving DPs and the Central Board system.

He added that Shafie had demonstrated his persistent effort to attract foreign investment to Sabah with working visits to China, Japan and other countries.

“Shafie has accumulated a wealth of experience having served several ministerial posts at the federal level.

“We have full confidence in Shafie’s capability as Prime Minister to lead our country towards progress and stability.

“It will be a significant milestone in the political landscape of our country if Shafie becomes Prime Minister, as this will pave the way for more East Malaysian leaders to helm the top leadership post at the national level in the future.”