By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 11: Despite a recent wave of verbal provocations and insinuations from certain quarters in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak’s top leadership has remained calm and composed.
According to political pundit Dato Peter Minos, some Malayan individuals have accused Sarawak of being “greedy” for demanding more from PETRONAS, even implying that the State is trying to financially cripple the national oil and gas company.
“These baseless allegations reflect sheer ignorance of Sarawak and Sabah’s realities.
“They say we’re out to bankrupt PETRONAS and don’t care about national interests. That’s completely absurd,” said Minos in a statement.
He explained that Sarawak is merely requesting a fairer share of its own oil and gas resources to fund development, especially in rural areas which still lack basic amenities like electricity, treated water, quality schools, and clinics.
“Since 1974, Peninsular Malaysia has received hundreds of billions in oil revenue from PETRONAS. This has funded highways, ports, airports, railways, skyscrapers, and more while Sarawak only receives a mere fraction of five per cent.”
This inequality is starkly visible across the country, he said.
“Drive through rural Sarawak and you’ll see the gap. We just want a bit more from what’s rightfully ours, not out of greed, but out of necessity—to catch up, to progress, and to give our people a better life.”
Minos dismissed the notion that Sarawak’s demands could hurt PETRONAS financially.
“It’s laughable. PETRONAS has made over RM2 trillion since 1974 and continues to earn billions every year. What Sarawak receives is peanuts in comparison. Sarawak can’t and doesn’t want to destroy PETRONAS. The company is a global oil giant with investments worldwide. To suggest that we could bleed it dry is nonsense.”
Minos criticised what he described as a heartless and insensitive attitude from some individuals in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Why begrudge Sarawak for asking for more of its own resources? Why complain when we strive to uplift ourselves through hard work, planning, and strong leadership?”
He believes envy could be behind some of the criticism.
“Perhaps they see Sarawak rising — creating industries, jobs, and economic opportunities — and they don’t like it. But that’s not how a big brother should treat his smaller sibling. A strong Malaysia is one where all states rise together.”
As Malaysia Day approaches on September 16, Minos expressed hope for renewed national unity and understanding.
“We love this nation. We were born here, and many have even died defending it. That is the ultimate proof of loyalty.”
He urged critics in Peninsular Malaysia to reflect and reassess their attitudes toward Sarawak.
“If we are truly Malaysians, we must be considerate, caring, and sensitive to the realities on the ground, especially in Sarawak and Sabah. Only then can we build a stronger, more harmonious federation,” said Minos.—DayakDaily
