CM says it’s management is transparent and accountable
KUCHING: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) is not 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) of the state as claimed by a news portal.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the portal claimed it is the 1MDB of Sarawak when referring to Petros.
“There is no such thing like 1MDB. That website has a malicious intention,” he said during the official opening of Demak Fabrication Yard, the load out of Bokor D substructure and the completion of Anjung Topside Projects at Jalan Demak Maju, today.
He said Petros was set up by the government to ensure that Sarawakians can participate in upstream and downstream oil and gas activities.
“Petros is a regulatory body and we have a transparent management because Sarawak government is accountable and a responsible,” he said.
He said at the end of the day, the Sarawak government wants to deliver benefits to the people as promised.
Abang Johari did not identify the portal, but it is believed that he was referring to AOGM.net which carried the news with the headline, “The Sarawak Oil Grab – Is Petros the 1MDB of Sarawak?”
On Sarawak’s participation in the oil and gas industry, Abang Johari said there is a good discussion between the state government and Petronas.
“There must be collaboration between Sarawak and the federal government on issues related to old and gas.
“That is why I imposed the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products, which might have made Petronas and other oil and gas industry players unhappy.
“It was not purposely done, because the question of oil and gas has been around … ding dong, ding dong… no conclusion, so I do it because we want some of the wealth,” he said.
The Chief Minister, however, said the sales tax could be reduced if Sarawak’s shares are equivalent to the revenue from oil and gas.
“I am very flexible as long as we get the equivalent revenue. We can reduce the tax because the oil and gas is within Sarawak’s territory,” he said.
