Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (PDP- GPS Assan) has called for unity among leaders and Sarawakians to support the state government’s pursuit of greater rights over Sarawak’s oil and gas resources.
He said for years, national policies have prioritised Putrajaya’s interests while heavily tapping into Sarawak’s rich natural resources.
“The unfair policies have resulted in significant development disparities between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,” he said when debating in support of the Supply Bill 2025 today (Nov 13).
Wong pointed to the 2025 federal allocation for Sarawak set at RM5.9 billion—a slight increase over 2024. He described this amount as “insignificant” considering Sarawak’s considerable contributions to federal revenue through taxes and oil and gas revenues.
“In view that we have contributed so much year in year out to the Federal Government coffer in terms of collection of taxes and revenue from
oil and gas, what is given back to Sarawak is considered very minimal and insignificant.
“It is about time we demand greater shares in our own resources and use our own rich resources to build our economy and to develop our state.
“Whatever the case, we should stand firm for more equitable sharing between Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in the development of both upstream and downstream activities,” he added.
He also called on Sarawakians to unite behind the state government in its effort to defend, protect, and reclaim Sarawak’s autonomous rights as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and related constitutional provisions.
Speaking at a press conference after his speech, Wong praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decisive move in 2018 to impose a state sales tax on oil products, which was a bold and contentious decision that even led to a legal battle with Petronas.
He said this action has added at least RM3 billion annually to Sarawak’s revenue since then.
“From 2018 until now, state revenue has increased by at least RM3 billion every year. Over eight years—from 2018 to 2025—this initiative has brought in RM24 billion. Without it, Sarawak would have missed out on this crucial funding,” he added.
He also lauded the Premier’s “ingenious” approach in revenue re-engineering initiatives that have had a transformative impact on Sarawak’s budget and development.
“This year, we see a record development budget of RM15 billion. The people of Sarawak owe a debt of gratitude to the Premier for his daring vision,” he said.
Meanwhile, reflecting on his years as Minister of Finance II from 2004 to 2019, Wong highlighted how federal disbursements were often delayed, impacting project timelines and leading to reduced allocations in subsequent years due to “non-performance” labels.
“Our Premier is now asking the Federal government to allocate RM100 billion under 13th Malaysia Plan to enable Sarawak to improve our health facilities,
repairing dilapidated schools, upgrading existing roads and constructing new roads, and achieving 100 per cent clean water and electricity supply and constructing 1,800 towers or telecommunication structures to ensure full internet coverage in Sarawak,” he added.
