By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 4: Sarawak is not greedy nor demanding but rightfully deserves a fair share of the taxes collected by Putrajaya, particularly those generated from Sarawak’s land and resources, in accordance with its rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that there is no need to be envious of Sarawak’s achievements and progress because when Sarawak thrives, so does Malaysia.
Highlighting Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s success in securing a potential RM2.5 trillion investment during his trip to South Korea, Dr Sim pointed out that such achievements benefit Malaysia as a whole, notably the 30 million population in Malaysia compared to three million Sarawakians, as it will boost the national economy and the ringgit will appreciate.
“So who gets the most? Had Premier not taken the lead, will this RM2.5 trillion in investments come to Malaysia? So rest assured that when Sarawak does well, Malaysia will do well too.
“We are not in a situation where Sarawak does well, Malaysia ‘tengok saja’ (see only). It is unlike the past where Malaysia did well and Sarawak ‘tengok saja’,” he said, referring to Sarawak’s significant contributions to the nation’s economy over six decades, particularly through its oil and gas resources that fueled advanced infrastructure development in Peninsular Malaysia.
He highlighted this to reporters after officiating at the flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) 65th anniversary celebration at the party’s headquarters here today.
With oil giant like Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) not only gaining oil and gas revenue but also paying taxes to Putrajaya, including businesses like Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, which largely benefit the national coffer, Dr Sim urged people to ponder on how much in return did Sarawak get for its contribution.
“Don’t forget, that’s a huge chunk of taxes which Sarawak should also benefit (from). Sarawak is not greedy and we are not asking for something new. We want a percentage of it (taxes) and we are just asking for this to be looked into as per the agreement.
“What is owed to us according to the agreement, just implement it, including under Article 112D (special grants to Sarawak and Sabah). That’s it, nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
Concerning the last MA63 council meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and attended by representatives from both Sarawak and Sabah, Dr Sim emphasised that if something is the rights of Sarawak, it ought to be respected.
“We don’t want to talk about the past, and only want to move forward,” he added. — DayakDaily
