By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 2: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has urged the Sarawak government to explore the possibility of securing a 30 per cent stake in Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) as a starting point for negotiations, reinforcing Sarawak’s rightful claim over its natural resources and economic contributions to Malaysia.
The Stampin MP, who recently raised the matter in Parliament, said Sarawak should be given the stake rather than having to buy shares in the national oil and gas company.
He reiterated this call today during a discussion with Deputy Minister for Sarawak Energy and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) Datuk Ibrahim Baki at the latter’s Hari Raya open house in Hikmah Exchange, urging the Sarawak government to consider joint ownership of PETRONAS.
“To make it clear, what I suggested is that Sarawak be given 30 per cent share in PETRONAS, not what Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad previously suggested—Sarawak buying some shares in PETRONAS,” Chong said in a statement today.
He argued that with PETRONAS’ total assets estimated at RM1 trillion, including its foreign assets and exploration activities, a 30 per cent stake for Sarawak would be a fair reflection of the Sarawak’s contributions to the company’s success.
Chong added that continuous pressure from DAP Sarawak would push the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to demand more from the federal government, emphasising that negotiations often involve strategic positioning, sometimes described as playing the “good cop, bad cop” roles.
“Our ultimate aim is to get more for Sarawak. By advocating for joint ownership of PETRONAS, we ensure that Sarawak truly shares in the success of our national pride,” he stressed.
Padungan assemblywoman Violet Yong also accompanied Chong to attend Ibrahim’s Hari Raya open house. — DayakDaily
