Councillor Bruce Chai
MIRI: Sarawak is adopting a rational approach in its negotiations for higher oil and gas (O&G) royalty for the state from the federal government.
Led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, it also uses the same strategy to ask for more equitable share of funds and opportunities for the development of the state and its people, Cr Bruce Chai, UPP Pujut branch chairman and the party’s central organising secretary, told The Borneo Post yesterday.
“Our CM has set a target for the negotiation and 20 per cent is what we are seeking,” he said.
Bruce pointed out that in any organisation or partnership such as Federation of Malaysia, only through negotiations can a win-win situation be arrived at.
“If we start demanding and fighting for solutions, then our nation may become disunited and we will not be able to move forward,” he elaborated.
He pointed out that Sarawak’s autonomy and special rights were enshrined under the 18-point agreement as outlined during the formation of Malaysia.
Bruce argued that the exercise of these rights should be through an elected state government and not a movement of individuals who do not represent the majority of the people of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Foreign Minister and Kimanis MP Anifah Aman announced yesterday after meeting the Prime Minister in Putrajaya that a committee would study thoroughly several issues especially on oil and gas royalty, which was last paid to Sabah in 1974.
He, however, did not elaborate who will sit on the committee or when it will be formed.
Others who attended the meeting were State Reform Party (STAR) Sabah chief Jeffrey Kitingan, former Tuaran PKR chief Ansari Abdullah, Parti Kerjasama Rakyat Sabah (Pakar) secretary-general Zainnal Ajamain and constitutional lawyer Edmund Bon.
Anifah was reported saying the 40 per cent entitlement for Sabah was a legitimate claim under the Federal Constitution while Jeffrey claimed that Sabah was entitled to all arrears on the 40 per cent entitlement since 1975, which appeared to be last paid in 1974 as it was entrenched in the 10th Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
On June 17, Kitingan, who is also the assemblyman for Bingkor, had called on the Sabah government to send a letter to the federal government to demand that it pay an estimated RM100 billion plus compound interest accumulated and due since 1975.
On the same note, Assistant Minister of Communications and Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin who is also Senadin assemblyman told The Borneo Post that it was high time that the state be accorded equitable revenue and more opportunities for the exploitation of oil and gas resources in the state.
“It is only fair that the state and her people enjoy equitable revenue, more opportunities in the industry, greater access to Petronas university and scholarships after getting only five per cent royalty in the past 52 years.”
He said negotiations were ongoing and hoped the federal government would seriously consider Sarawak’s requests.
Lee supported the idea that a similar committee for Sarawak should also be approved by the Prime Minister to facilitate negotiations by the team entrusted by the state.
Adenan has vowed that he would not stop until there are results from the negotiations for higher royalty for the state.