State has submitted commercial model in lieu of 20% PH’s failed promise
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has submitted a new formula on obtaining more revenue from Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to the federal government.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new formula or model is commercial in nature.
Abang Johari said this when reporters asked him to comment on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent statement that it was not workable to give 20 per cent oil royalty to Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sarawak government did not ask for the 20 per cent, but it was PH who made the promise.
“Because they made the promise, we say alright. If that is your promise, we definitely want the 20 per cent (oil royalty). But now there is a different story,” he told reporters when met after launching the state-level 2019 Women’s Day celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
Asked if he was disappointed with the Federal government, he said, “No. I have another formula, and have submitted it to them.
“We know Petronas is an international company, but that does not mean you deprived us of our oil revenue.
“But there is a formula, while maintaining Petronas as an international company. I have a formula where Sarawak can take part (too),” he pointed out, adding that Sarawak produces raw materials for Petronas such as gas and crude.
The chief minister however said he could not disclose further on the formula yet as negotiations were still ongoing between the State and Federal governments, but believed the new model would not jeopardies Petronas.
“But maybe… Perhaps the Federal government may lose some revenue. But of course, Sarawak government also wants the revenue,” he said, adding it will be a fair formula.
Asked whether the Sarawak government should take legal action against Putrajaya if the negotiation fails end of October as suggested by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) lawmaker Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the chief minister said he would think about it first.
“I will look into it. I will see. But not necessarily so lah. There are other ways for you to retain your rights,” he added.
