KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian (pic) was tight-lipped on the state government’s demand for 20 percent oil and gas royalty.
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg have already released a statement yesterday (Thursday), and that (statement) represents our position.
“It is not a new stand, it is our stand and he as the Sarawak Chief Minister has spoken on behalf of the Cabinet.
“It is very clear and short,” Dr Sim, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister said when asked by reporters on his comments on the matter at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
On Oct 30, an article published by Reuters said a key negotiator in the deal revealed that Sarawak is pushing for production-sharing and other agreements instead of pursuing its oil and gas royalty demand.
“Malaysia’s energy-rich state of Sarawak will drop a demand for quadrupling royalties paid by energy giant Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) but is pushing for production-sharing and other agreements, a key negotiator told Reuters,” the article read.
The following day (Oct 31), a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) maintained that Sarawak will continue to pursue its demand of 20 percent oil and gas royalty. “This office wishes to clarify that the Sarawak government has not dropped the demand and the current negotiation with the federal government is based on that demand. The article is misleading and vexatious in intent,” said the statement.
