THE list of new Sabah government-linked company (GLC) bosses has been finalised, said Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal.

“Just give us a bit of time. Some of the bosses have already been appointed. There will be changes. Just wait, we will announce them soon.

“The list is already in my hands,” he told reporters during Sepanggar MP Azis Jamman’s open house in Bandar Sierra, near Kota Kinabalu, today.

Sabah, in following the lead of the Pakatan Harapan federal government, is removing politically appointed individuals from state GLCs, as well as ending the contract extensions of senior officers who have passed the retirement age, where necessary.

These were also part of Parti Warisan Sabah’s election promises, and Shafie previously said he wanted to see fresh, young talent moving up and professionals running state GLCs.

Sabah has 37 GLCs, not including subsidiaries. The state government has 10 ministries and 56 agencies.

Earlier, Shafie reiterated the government’s plan to decentralised the authority of the Chief Minister’s Department in approving development projects.

He said a committee will take over such duties, and will see to, among others, the approval of projects shortened from six months.

He also urged developers to reduce the average rental price in commercial complexes, in dealing with the state’s oversupply of commercial space.

“I’ve noticed that there are many shoplots that remain unoccupied and closed. It is tough to sustain if the rental is too high.

“We must find a way to resolve this issue, to allow more Sabahans to venture into business,” said Shafie, adding that the government is also mulling a short-term tax relief to encourage local entrepreneurs. – June 23, 2018.