By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Sept 30: Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei has come out in support of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement that the 20 per cent oil royalty for Sabah and Sarawak is not workable.
He explained that previously, Pakatan Harapan had promised to give 20 per cent oil royalty to Sarawak with the condition that the state has to take up responsibility for education and healthcare.
“Therefore, we are not only giving 20 per cent oil royalty but coupled with healthcare and education autonomy to the state.”
“We (Pakatan Harapan) did not propose 20 per cent oil royalty just to hand to the Sarawak government without any condition.”
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) assemblyman said, the proposed oil royalty for Sarawak was intended to be used for healthcare and education expenses in the state, and the surplus will be given to the state government and is for the state government to decide how to use.
“However, that proposal was not accepted by the state government. Now the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari (Tun Openg) had gone on to negotiate with different ideas with Prime Minister Tun Mahathir.”
He said, whatever the outcome is, they would support it as long as it benefits the people.
“But I hope the state government will be more practical and rational to make sure the country will not collapse by one state asking for 20 per cent oil royalty.”
He further said the State Legislative Assembly had previously under the leadership of Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, had unanimously agreed to ask former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to devolve the 20 per cent oil royalty to Sarawak.
“So the 20 per cent oil royalty was promised by the state government and not Pakatan Harapan.” — DayakDaily
