KUCHING, Feb 5: Political observer Datuk Peter Minos believes that Petronas has enraged Sarawakians by challenging Sarawak in court for non-payment of the five per cent State Sales Tax.
The former Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) info chief opined Petronas’ refusal to pay the said tax is an act of total disrespect and impertinence towards Sarawak and herpeople.
“By challenging Sarawak in court after refusing to pay the five per cent sales tax, Petronas had shown total disrespect and impertinence to Sarawak and her people.
“Petronas has made a terrible mistake. Petronas will be fully responsible for the consequences of its action,” according to Peter in a press statement today.
He believed that regardless of the law, Petronas ought to know that developing Sarawak would require extra cash to catch up with the more developed Malaya.
“Imagine that from 1974 onwards, Petronas paid over RM600 billion to the federal government and now it is refusing to pay the five per cent sales tax to Sarawak amounting to no more than RM2 billion for first half of the year.
“It owes Sarawak a big debt for making billions each year from oil and gas found physically in Sarawak.
“Petronas, if it has any heart and feeling, should have shown gratitude to Sarawak. Instead, Petronas has shown extreme greed, heartless ingratitude and no feeling at all for Sarawak.
“Imagine a company, mighty as it may be, suing Sarawak, once a sovereign nation and now a huge part of Malaysia. This only happens in Malaysia,” said Peter who is also Walikota of Kota Samarahan District Council.
He claimed that Petronas has made all Sarawakians angry and frustrated.
“But let it be heard and known, Petronas has already provoked all Sarawakians. Petronas has made all Sarawakians angry and frustrated. Regardless of the outcome of this court case, Sarawakians will not and never forget and forgive Petronas for the pain and injury it had done to Sarawak and her people.”
Peter also speculated that the federal government is behind Petronas’ decision to challenge Sarawak in court.
“If so, it will share the blame and face whatever that may or will arise from this saga,” he added.
He opined that regardless of the actions the federal government is taking against Sarawak, the state will go on.
“Sarawak will survive. Sarawak will rally more behind GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) to carry on, to continue to develop and to protect itself from bad and ugly parties.”
As Sarawak holds authority over its land and immigration, Peter suggested other ways to show Sarawak’s displeasure.
“Maybe Sarawak can think of a way of telling off Petronas for its total impertinence and arrogance. Charge very high for the use of Sarawak’s land for its facilities and offices. Say ‘no’ to Malayan staff working on Sarawakian soil.
“After all, Sarawak still has power over Sarawak’s land and immigration.
“The people of Sarawak will fully stand with the chief minister on whatever legal and appropriate action taken against Petronas.” — DayakDaily
