KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Jemut Masing did not accept what was stated in Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs who is also MP Stampin, Chong Chieng Jen’s announcement of the new deal.
Masing said Chong was only a few weeks in power and was already selling off Sarawak’s rights by giving away 80% of the oil and gas revenue to others.
Chong announced in Parliament yesterday that Pakatan Harapan federal government has altered its promise of 20 per cent oil and gas royalties to Sarawak, after the Sarawak government rejected the condition set in their ‘New Deal Agreement’ prior to the 14th General Election. Chong and Works Minister, Baru Bian who both signed the agreement said the oil and gas royalties will be retained at five per cent and Sarawak will be getting 20 per cent of oil profit as extra. Besides that, 50 per cent of tax revenue collected in Sarawak will be returned to Sarawak with an underlying condition, stipulating that the Sarawak government must use the fund on education and healthcare development.
Masing pointed out that Chong is willing to get only 20 per cent of what belongs to Sarawak while the rest will be given to Malaya and Petronas.
He said Chong is being arrogant and acted like the PM by selling off Sarawak’s rights and interest. There is a saying which says: “Give a man the power, his true characters will surface!” added Masing.
