By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Sept 18: Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar believed the payment of State Sales Tax (SST) by national oil corporation Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) yesterday to the Sarawak government represented a great gift to Sarawak and Sarawakians.
Wan Junaidi said the payment of SST by Petronas which amounted to RM2.956 billion was made possible under the steadfast leadership and the courage of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to challenge Petronas in fighting for Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.
“This is a great hadiah (gift) to Sarawak and Sarawakians alike.
“I am sure (Datuk Patinggi) Abang Johari will pass much of the money back to the people for various people centric projects.
“For once, at least some of the money from Petronas is given back to the people of Sarawak,” he said in a statement.
Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, said Sarawakians must be grateful and be appreciative to Abang Johari for fulfilling the challenging task through negotiation with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government as Petronas is legally under the direct control of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is PN chairman.
“I would also like to register my appreciation to all the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leadership for giving undivided and unflinching support to the Chief Minister in this challenging task.
“Heartiest congratulations to the Attorney-General (of Sarawak) and his team and Datuk Seri JC Fong for work well done.
“It was great to listen to your submission and arguments in court,” he added.  —DayakDaily
