KUCHING: When it comes to oil and gas royalty, the State government could not compromise as royalty is based on ownership, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking during a press conference at Imperial Hotel here yesterday, he explained that his recent meeting with Terengganu Menteri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was on Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) promise for 20 per cent royalty to oil producing states in the country.
“You must know that royalty means that you have ownership or that is your property.
“We were content with the five per cent royalty as agreed previously but now we want it to be increased.
“This is because the value of money is different and the demand for oil and gas is different, so why not increase the royalty?
“Based on definition, ‘royalty’ is based on ownership and property so the same applies to our oil, we have the ownership,” he said.
When asked to elaborate on his meeting with Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Abang Johari said that he only wanted their views on the subject matter and what was their position in regards to it.
“Whether PH wants to fulfil their promises or not, it’s their business. It’s not for me to comment as I fight for Sarawak.
“We respect the role that Petronas plays. We are not greedy. It is our right and we can negotiate,” he said.
Earlier on, Abang Johari launched the State Land and Survey Department’s ‘Innovation and Integrity Day’.
