By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 24: The joint declaration signed between Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marks a “win-win” outcome for both Sarawak and Malaysia, says political pundit Dato Peter Minos.
He emphasised that the agreement reflects mutual respect and understanding between the Sarawak and federal governments, adding that no side should lose in such a deal, as both are part of Malaysia.
“It cannot be that one side wins and the other loses. That will not do, as all of us are, after all, Malaysians,” he said in a statement today.
According to Minos, most Sarawakians are generally pleased with the outcome of the gas deal, although there are a few in Peninsular Malaysia who may not share the same sentiment.
“That cannot be helped. Our leaders cannot please everybody,” he pointed out.
He hailed the federal government’s open recognition of Sarawak’s rights and oil and gas laws as a significant breakthrough, particularly in acknowledging Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETRONAS) as the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak.
“Sarawak in turn is happy leaving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) to continue its operations under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) as before,” he added.
Minos expressed optimism that the declaration, if honoured fairly and in good faith, could potentially bring in billions of ringgit annually for Sarawak.
“If PETRONAS plays right and fair in pursuant of the spirit of the declaration, PETROS will gain a few billion ringgit per year. We hope it will be RM10 billion per year at least,” he said, adding that such revenue would significantly accelerate Sarawak’s economic development beyond current expectations.
“When we add that to the State Sales Tax (SST) on oil and gas, and the five per cent royalty from PETRONAS, we can imagine a whopping amount coming from our oil and gas resources.”
While acknowledging Sarawak’s desire for more returns, Minos stressed the need for balance and national consideration.
“We must also think of national interests while thinking of that of Sarawak. We cannot get something from Petronas that will result in it slipping and falling, as it remains our national corporation and a cash cow to our national coffers,” he said.
“The declaration gives the reasonable and happy balance between Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur’s interests.”
Minos also praised the Premier for his leadership and persistence in securing Sarawak’s rights.
“It has been very tough, I’m sure, on our Premier—facing the formidable federal government and the financial giant, PETRONAS. I doubt if any Sarawakian can match that feat. Let us say ‘thank you’ to our Premier, the best proven defender of Sarawak’s rights,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
