Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's Legacy in Developing Sabah's Tourism Sector
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, is known as a leader with a far-reaching vision who was highly organized in planning national development. One of his significant contributions that is still felt today is the initiative to advance the tourism sector in the state of Sabah.
One of the strategic steps taken by him was the 'open skies' policy for Sabah. Through this policy, international airlines were allowed to land directly at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). This decision made it easier for international tourists to visit Sabah more quickly and comfortably.
Furthermore, efforts to develop tourism infrastructure were strengthened through the involvement of the private sector. For example, the Shangri-La company purchased a 40 percent stake in the STAR company and took over its management. This step helped improve the quality of hospitality services in the state to attract more international visitors.
In conclusion, the policies introduced by Tun Dr. Mahathir have succeeded in positioning Sabah as one of the primary tourism destinations in the region. These efforts not only helped the state's economy but also opened up broader employment opportunities for the local population.