Datuk David Teng
KUCHING: The Sarawak government should seriously contemplate sharing its wealth, particularly revenue generated from oil and gas, with the people of Sarawak, says former state assistant minister Datuk David Teng.
According to him, the Sarawak government is expected to collect RM3.5 billion from the new sales tax on petroleum products, which is in addition to the five per cent royalty it currently receives.
“That amount (RM3.5 billion), if it were to be divided by 2.7 million Sarawakians, would mean each one of us will get RM1,400 a year. We are already getting five per cent in royalty. With the five per cent in sales tax, that’s 10 per cent.
“Ideally, part of it should go directly to the people and the rest to the state (coffers) because the state needs money for public purposes,” said Teng, who is Sarawak Culture Research Institute Society president.
He was speaking at a talk on the special position and safeguards for Sarawak under Malaysia Agreement 1963, organised by Sarawak Patriots Association here on Friday night.
The former Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) treasurer said by sharing the state’s wealth with all Sarawakians, the Sarawak government would make fighting for Sarawakians more meaningful.
“A good government is one that works for the people and share with the people. You (Sarawak government) need them (the people) and therefore your main objective must be to do good for them,” he said.