KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Jemut Masing hit out at Economic Affairs Ministers, Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali for pulling wool
over Sarawakians eyes again.
Masing said Sarawak owns 100 per cent of oil and gas and this asset is in Sarawak waters and land. What is Azmin talking about the 20 per cent oil royalty? Is he trying to divert the main issue on the oil and gas in Sarawak or is it a decoy by Putrajaya to divert our attention from the issue?
He called to Sarawakians not to be fooled by Putrajaya. “There is a saying which states: ‘we are excused for making the 1st mistake. But if we repeat it, it’s not a mistake. It’s a decision!’ So dont make a
wrong decision on our oil and gas,” he added.
Azmin said a special cabinet committee has been set up to oversee matters relating to the 20 per cent oil royalty payment to
oil-producing states and he said the committee comprising representatives of four states including Sabah, had been given six months to prepare a proposal paper on the matter.
“The government needs to consult with the Sabah and Sarawak state governments about the matter and fulfil terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he told reporters after a meeting with Sabah
PKR leaders here yesterday. According to Mohamed Azmin, among the matters discussed was the royalty payment method whether from the net profit or based
on the oil and gas production.
“I have to discuss with Sabah and Sarawak (in order for them) to come up with their recommendations,” he added.
