KUCHING: A Senator has proposed that Sarawak collects its own sales tax to offset the federal tax revenue.
Robert Lau Hui Yew said it was time for Sarawak to collect own sales tax and the amount paid by Sarawakians and Sarawak based companies.
“Sarawak has her own comptroller of tax.
“Use the power. This can be part of what is due to Sarawak under Article 112 C and D of the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 16).
Lau, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman, stressed that Sarawak has to get what it deserves.
“Equal partnership must be reflected in substance. Financial grant and development fund distribution must be based on equal partnership,” he pointed out.
He noted that national financial situation was not good, and the 2022 budget showed a gap of more than RM100 billion between spending and revenue, with the national debt at almost RM1 trillion.
“Sarawak has to make sure we have our own financial and economic independence from the federal situation.
“We have surplus fund. We must ensure this fund is well looked after. There is a plan for a State Sovereign fund, however not all countries with natural resources are doing well.
“In fact many are doing badly. Make sure we don’t become Nigeria or Venezuela,” he said.
On another note, he endorsed SUPP president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian’s speech during the party’s annual delegates conference held at the party’s headquarters on Sunday.
“I concur with our president, especially to revamp our party to promote meritocracy and attract talents.
“The old practice of branch centric where branch don’t welcome new talented members and existing branch would not support new branches being formed should be done away with,” he said.
