A newly-established think tank group spearheaded by Member of Parliament for Labuan Yussof Mahal has identified the issues behind the island's slow development which need immediate attention from various quarters particularly the government.

The issues include lack of basic infrastructure which they said has hindered investors from coming to Labuan.

Following their first round of meeting on Thursday involving representatives from nine major sectors, they called for an aggressive promotion to enhance Labuan's profile and moves to turn Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Labuan International Campus into a full-pledged university to cater for more programmes to suit the needs of local industries.

They also recommend more flights to the island to realise the government's agenda of turning Labuan into a premier tourist destination.

Yussof said the recommendations would be further discussed in the next meeting before being forwarded to the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry and the Prime Minister for endorsement and consideration.

"The establishment of think tank group is merely to assist the government in policy making as well as in decision making for the benefit of the people and the industries on the island," he said.

Its members comprise academicians, professionals and players in oil and gas, financial services, education, shipping, port services and tourism, and representatives from chambers of commerce and activists.

"We are glad to note that the think tank members have shown their commitment by giving ideas and inputs in order to see the island's prosperity, and this is due to the fact they are all heads of the important sectors in Labuan who are eager to see the progress and development of the island for the benefit of all.

"It was a fruitful meeting," Yussof said.

The think tank members have unanimously agreed to come up with a four-year action plan with short and long-term reviews for the island and to meet every two months. – Bernama