KUCHING: Sarawak has taken a momentous and historic stand in suing Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) for non-payment of the State Sales Tax on petroleum products.
Political commentator Datuk Peter Minos said it is a watershed moment, for at last, Sarawak has asserted itself in defending its legal rights against a giant corporation.
“We salute our Sarawak government and especially Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for making the stand,” said Minos.
He said the rhetoric does not seem to work anymore and Sarawakians are fed up and frustrated because Petronas and its master in Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government are not listening and not respecting Sarawak.
“They are in fact unfriendly and hostile to Sarawak. We do not quite know the reasons why but they are simply hostile.
“So, enough is enough. The red line is crossed and it is time for action by using the laws.
“Imagine Petronas, which has been making billions upon billions of ringgits from Sarawak’s oil and gas since 1974 and paying the federal government not less than RM70 billion a year, does not respect Sarawak and Sabah’s laws at all.
“Sarawak must stand and fight it out in the court. There is no more choice. Sarawak has, at long last, done so and well done,” stressed Minos.
He added it was a great and wise move that make Sarawkians rejoice.
“Sarawakians are happy. Let us do it for the love of Sarawak. It is now or never. Better now than never,” he added.
Minos noted that Sarawak was once a sovereign country until it created Malaysia in 1963 with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore (which left in 1965).
“Let no one and no party disrespect Sarawak. Let no one bully and suppress Sarawak, much less a company, huge and powerful it may be. Long live Sarawak.
“May God give the strength and confidence to Sarawak in defending its rights, its fate and future and its hopes and aspirations,” said Minos.
