BETONG: Sarawak will always be open for cooperation with the federal government for the benefit of all said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said as part of the Federation, Sarawak have to accept that there are powers under the Federal Government, there are powers and rights under the Sarawak Government.
“However, there must be a form of cooperation and collaboration between the federal and state parties so that development can be carried out smoothly.
“Without close cooperation between the state and the federal government as happened during the 22 months under the administration of the PH government – the people suffered in the end,” he said in his speech during the Sarawak-level National Day 2022 celebration at Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, Betong today.
The celebration was graced by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Abang Johari said recently, he has received visits from several ministers at the federal level.
“And I received them with an open heart to cooperate for the benefit of Sarawak and the country as a whole,” he added.
However, Abang Johari said if there is a dispute about the power and rights of the state or the Federation, it must be decided by the courts.
“Thus, when Sarawak demanded sales and service tax (SST) on petroleum products from Sarawak, the solution was determined by the court that Sarawak had the right to impose SST.
“So far since 2019, Sarawak has collected RM8 billion in SST and with the price of crude oil that has increased, it is certain that SST for this year will also increase.
“Sarawak’s increased income was returned to the people through the implementation of various development programmes and assistances.
“Although Sarawak and Petronas have already faced each other in court, now there is good cooperation between the two parties to advance the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, at the downstream and upstream levels because that is the aspiration of the people of Sarawak.
“This collaboration was signed under a Commercial Settlement Agreement signed by both parties in December 2020,” he said.
He said among other things, Petronas has committed to channel more gas for the purpose of developing a petrochemical hub in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu with the construction of a second gas channeling plant in Tanjung Kidurong.
“I am confident that through this collaboration and collaboration with other parties, Sarawak will have its own petrochemical hub that will provide more employment opportunities for the people of Sarawak, especially the youth,” he added.
Earlier he said after 59 years of the establishment of Malaysia, all Malaysians need to understand the concept of Federation and have a high spirit of nationalism, it is also necessary that the privileges or rights of Sarawak are not questioned but steps are taken to respect what has been agreed by the previous leaders.
“The people of Sarawak demand that the rights and privileges of Sarawak be respected and recognised by the Federal Government but this does not mean that the people of Sarawak do not have high national spirit and patriotism,” he stressed.
