Former Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin is urging the state government to approve the construction of a Mazu statue (Goddess of Sea) in Kudat.
He stated it would boost the state’s tourism and economy sector and provide economic benefits to the local community.
The project was initially proposed 20 years ago but was halted following opposition from some NGOs, including the Sabah Islamic Organisation.
Bung Moktar believes that similar constructions have been carried out in other states without affecting the lives of the Muslim community.
He cites that the 33-metre-tall Mazu statue could become an icon of Kudat district and attract tourists from abroad, which could stimulate the production of food and handicraft products that could be sold to foreign tourists.
Bung Moktar hopes that the state government will consider approving the project and put aside any narrow sentiments that could hinder the concept of Sabah Maju Jaya.
