KUCHING, Nov 5: State Reform Party (Star) president Lina Soo fully supports Sarawak imposing a five per cent sales tax on petroleum products.
Describing it as “good news”, Soo said even though the decision came late, it was not too late.
“A piece of good news for all Sarawakians. The state government, for the first time, is imposing a sales tax on crude oil, liquified natural gas, natural gas and gas-to-liquids.
“It is better late than never that the Sarawak government now introduces five sales tax on petroleum products, which is within our right to do so,” said Soo, in a statement in response to the tabling of State Budget 2019 by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
As it was the right move, she hoped the state government would stick to its decision and continue with the effort of enforcing the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO).
“A positive & encouraging move and I hope the state will not waver in the pursuit to strengthen its ownership control on oil and gas by enforcing the regulatory powers provided under the OMO.”
On the huge budget allocated for rural infrastructure development, she said a fiscal expansionary budget was the correct approach to provide basic amenities like water, electricity and roads, instead of giving `blue containers’ to rural folk.
“Time is of the essence here, and we cannot afford to wait, beg and depend on the Malayans to decide our destiny, as time and again the Malayans have proven they’ve not been sincere nor committed to the intents and terms of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963).” — DayakDaily
