Kuching: The recent issue on 20 per cent profit returned to Sarawak on petroleum resources extracted here is of great concern to every Sarawakian.
This is after Prime Minister clarified that what he meant to return was profit and not royalty, said State Assemblyman for Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang.
Lo said it is with good wisdom that our Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg responded that he would not accept PM’s offer of 20 per cent profit and totally agreed with the CM as by accepting this, it means that we have to acknowledge the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974.
“PDA is a Federal Act which was never discussed by Sarawak DUN (State Legislative Assembly) at any time and as such is unconstitutional and un-enforceable in Sarawak. We must take back what belongs to us and not to let the Federal play with words and laws to ‘cheat’ us out of what rightfully belongs to us.
“I disagreed with MP for Kuching, Dr. Kevin Yii who said Parliament has agreed to form a task force to discuss on MA 63. What is there to discuss? I do not think it is relevant as no one can change the fact that MA 63 is an international treaty. Besides, it is for Malaya to change the treaty to their whims and fancy.
“I must point out that this is our special rights which has been eroded with time and since, it has been taken from us all these years, then what needs to be done is to do the right thing. Malaya needs to return and restore back what belong to us. In real fact, there is no need for other discussions. In layman’s term, you are coming to our land to drill away our resources and expect us to go and hold a discussion with you how to pay us. Enough of the bullying of Sarawakians,” he said.
Lo pointed out that Sarawak is so lacking behind in terms of infrastructures such as dilapidated schools, broken drains, low water supply and other utilities were denied to not only rural areas but also sub-urban areas.
“The road is the most significant example. You go from south to north in Malaya and you can speed there with no problem. We do not even have proper roads from Kuching to Sibu. Should anyone try to speed, they would probably land in the ravines.
“Once we take back our own oil, we can start improving on our infrastructures instead of relying on pittances from the Federal authority,” he added.
