KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg described Petronas’ action to withdraw its appeal against the Kuching High Court’s ruling that Sarawak is entitled to collect sales tax on petroleum products as the best gift for Sarawakians.
Moreover, he said, it was the sweetest victory for the Sarawak government under his leadership.
In fact, the success proves that Sarawak has the absolute right to petroleum products produced in this state.
“With this, we will have an additional revenue worth RM3 billion. Alhamdullillah, this is the best gift for Sarawak. It has been legally proven that we have rights over our own oil and gas products,” he said.
Sarawak began imposing a five percent additional tax on all petroleum products in the state from January 2019 under its Oil Mining Ordinance 1958.
However, Petronas refused to pay the tax and instead submitted a judicial review application, but last Monday, it withdrew the appeal.
He said this at a special ceremony with the chief minister at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching today.
Earlier, at the same ceremony, State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion said Abang Johari was a great and respected leader.
“His aspiration to make Sarawak a developed state by 2030 has had a positive impact on the people.
“As a chief minister, there is no doubt that his leadership can be seen through the number of people who received assistance throughout the state,” he pointed out.
He added that Abang Johari’s spirit in helping the people is his best testimony.
Further elaborating, Jaul said as a leader, Abang Johari himself gave motivation and encouragement to government officials.
