KUCHING: The state government had been lauded for taking legal action against Petronas to recover the unpaid state sales tax on petroleum products.
“It is a very good step indeed that the government is suing the corporation,” said a lawyer, Shankar Ram Asnani.
“If it doesn’t come to terms with our state law because it is respectful, then we take it to court.”
He clarified that when Sarawak took part in the formation of Malaysia, its laws also became federal laws in as much as they are recognised at the national level.
“Under Section 73 of the Malaysia Act 1963, our state laws are ranked the same as federal laws.
“Petronas cannot disregard our law,” he told reporters after attending Tyng Dance Academy (TDA) Dance Championship at CityOne Megamall last Sunday.
Regarding the Petroleum Development Act (PDA), Shankar said it should be invalidated for being unconstitutional because it had not been endorsed by the State Legislative Assembly.
When asked about what he heard concerning a notice of assessment issued to Petronas, Shankar noted that the corporation seemed to be quiet so far.
“I think Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad knows what Sarawak needs and he will do the right thing,” he said.
