It would be irresponsible for the Sabah government to approve a mixed commercial development next to the historical Atkinson clock tower without complying with the regulatory requirements, said state tourism, culture and environment minister Masidi Manjun.

masidi manjun He said his stand was basically consistent with the latest decision of the state cabinet, that is, to let the central board review the relevant development plan to ensure compliance with the existing and relevant laws.

Masidi ( above ) was speaking to reporters after the flagging-off ceremony of the Tour de Sabah riders at a resort in Tuaran today.

He was commenting on Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) chairperson Rubin Balang's statement yesterday, accusing Masidi of having second thoughts about the development after agreeing to its approval by the state cabinet.

Rubin had also stated that such inconsistencies would turn away investors from Sabah.

A local daily reported that he had even called on the minister to step down.

Masidi recalled that during the state cabinet meeting on Sept 8, he had raised the issue of the controversial commercial development on the land belonging to LPPB, next to the Atkinson clock tower - a gazetted heritage structure.

Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Iliyas Ibrahim said the

decision to be taken on the proposed 16-storey mixed commercial development must be fair to all parties involved.

He was speaking to reporters when met at the launch of a housing estate's neighbourhood watch in Kota Kinabalu.

Meanwhile, Masidi said the Tour de Sabah cycling event could be developed into an international tourism product.

The event, held for the third time, will see over 40 participants riding throughout Sabah for a week, and involving both local participants and those from Australia, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

- Bernama