by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 13: The Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) demands transparency and accountability on the recent settlement between Petronas and Petros as the matter concerns Sarawak’s rights, resources, and future.
“If GPS truly stands for Sarawak’s rights, why has it not been upfront with Sarawakians about this settlement?
“Why did we only find out about these terms through an answer in Parliament from the Federal Law Minister instead of an open disclosure by the Sarawak Government itself?” said Michael Kong, a special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
In a press statement, he pointed out that for years, GPS leaders have repeatedly rejected the PDA1974, claiming Sarawak had full control over its oil and gas.
“Yet, this settlement reveals the exact opposite – that GPS has quietly conceded to Putrajaya, recognising PDA1974 and effectively surrendering Sarawak’s authority,” he said.
If GPS truly believes it has acted in Sarawak’s best interests, DAP Sarawak raised the following questions:
- Why did GPS formally recognise PDA194 in this settlement despite previous contrary statements from its leaders?
- Why does Petronas now have unrestricted rights to operate in Sarawak without requiring further licensing?
- What exactly did Sarawak gain other than being the aggregator for LPG?
“These are not politically motivated questions but questions that every Sarawakian deserves to know the answers to.
“If GPS has nothing to hide and believes its a favourable term, then answer them instead of blaming DAP for asking for transparency and accountability,” Kong said.
He further emphasised that Sarawak’s rights are not GPS’ to give away.
“They belong to the people of Sarawak. DAP Sarawak will continue to stand with Sarawakians to demand the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it is for GPS,” he added. – DayakDaily
