KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew has named a five-strong panel of advisors to oversee the Ministry’s plans in developing Sabah’s tourism industry and environmental protection.
The panel consists of five renowned Sabahans, all with vast experience and expertise in their respective fields, to provide advice and recommendations to the Ministry and its departments on environmental and wildlife protection, management of conservation areas, and tourism.
Christina, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, highlighted the newly-appointed panel of ‘think tanks’ to the ministry is the first initiative of its kind, which aims to harness the vast expertise and wisdom of influential persons in the environment and wildlife protection, and tourism.
“This is an important step forward for the government, and with members of the advisory panel providing their expert advice to agencies under the ministry, I believe we can achieve so much more,” she told reporters at the appointment ceremony yesterday.
The ministry advisory panel, which Christina called the ministry’s ‘think tanks’, includes Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Chairman Dato’ Seri Tengku Adlin Bin Tengku Mahmood; Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) executive director Datuk Dr Junaidi Payne; Sabah Environmental Trust, Chief Executive and Founder, Dr Rahimatsah Amat; MATTA President, Datuk Tan Kok Liang and President of Sabah Tatana Cultural Association Tan Sri Wences Anggang@James.
The newly-appointed members of the advisory panel will hold non-executive positions to provide expert advice and recommendations to the ministry, effective for two years.
Additionally, the members of the advisory panel will be heading different agencies under the ministry with Tengku Adlin handling Sabah Parks; Dr Junaidi as advisor for wildlife, and Dr Rahimatsah will serve as advisor for environmental protection.
Meanwhile for tourism, the advisory post will be headed by Datuk Tan, while Wences is appointed as advisor for culture. “I’m grateful they accepted the appointments, we will seek advisory panel’s advice and recommendations on matters needing attention,” said Christina.