ONE of the reforms to be introduced by new Warisan-led state government is to take away the Sabah chief minister’s control over the approval of projects.

Shafie Apdal said the approval of projects will now be done by ministerial-led committees. 

He gave the example of property development. The committee will be chaired by a minister, while officers from other agencies, such as the Public Works Department, will be present to give input. 

“The committees will not only look into providing the necessary permits, the approval of projects will also be faster,” he said during his walkabout at the Sembulan Ramadhan bazaar in Kota Kinabalu today. 

He said a working paper on the new initiative is being drafted and that instructions had been given to all his ministers.

Shafie said all big projects approved by the previous government are being scrutinised. 

He said only projects that benefited the state will be retained.

“We have to do the review first as the present economic situation is not really promising. Like the federal government, the state is also faced with financial constraints,” he said. – May 26, 2018.