DATUK Dr Juanda Jaya (GPS-Jemoreng) yesterday questioned whether Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak representatives intended to stand up for the state in getting the federal government to fulfil its promises to Sarawak.
When debating the 2020 State Budget, he said PH Sarawak leaders had promised that when the coalition became the federal government, they would grant Sarawak its rights, particularly autonomy over education and healthcare.
He added they had also promised that Putrajaya would grant the state 20 per cent oil royalty and return of 50 per cent of tax collected from Sarawak.
“They (PH Sarawak) lied. They did not do anything. When we implemented the sales tax (on petroleum products), we want Petronas to pay up. But instead they discredit the efforts by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the 2020 State Budget.
“If they honestly want to help Sarawak, why didn’t they tell Finance Minister (Lim Guan Eng), who is their own chief, to direct Petronas to pay the sales tax due?” he asked.
Juanda also criticised the PH government for cancelling funding for various infrastructure development projects across the state, before proceeding to list out other unfulfilled promises such as funding to fix dilapidated schools in the state, abolishing the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan, reducing the price of fuel, and providing free university education.
He also questioned the PH’s alleged abuse of government entities such as Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) which he claimed had been directed not to give coverage to GPS members.
“After yesterday’s sitting, I went home and wanted to watch the 5pm news on RTM to see the news on the 2020 State Budget tabling. Not even one state (GPS) representative appeared on television.
“Is RTM a private company? Isn’t the state government a legitimate government? The taxes collected from the state did it not reach Putrajaya? Isn’t Putrajaya being funded by our oil and gas?
“If that is the case, I think the state government should impose sales tax on RTM,” he said.
He then took aim at the federal government’s intention to implement the Federal Village Community Management Council (MPKKP) which he said could split village communities.
He said currently, community leaders in the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) are responsible in managing villages, longhouses, native customs, marriages and even matters concerning deaths.