Sarawak DAP Chief Calls for Clarity on Oil and Gas Agreement
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen has called on the state and federal governments to clarify the details of an agreement in which he claims Sarawak has once again surrendered its oil and gas rights to Putrajaya.
Background to the Dispute
The dispute between the federal and state governments over Sarawak’s claim over oil and gas resources and the right to impose a state sales tax on Petronas has been ongoing for some time. In January, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg announced an agreement that the Sarawak government would not enforce or apply state laws to all Petronas’ operations in Sarawak, "past, present and future".
Chong’s Concerns
Chong has expressed his concerns over the agreement, stating that it would be the second time that the Sarawak government has compromised and given up its oil and gas rights to the federal government. He has also questioned why the premier agreed to such terms that totally undermine Sarawak’s claim for its rights over oil and gas extracted from the state.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Chong has highlighted two key provisions of the agreement that he believes are most detrimental to Sarawak’s interests. Firstly, Petros, as the state’s sole gas aggregator, has no control over liquefied natural gas (LNG), the state’s most significant revenue-generating product. This, according to Chong, renders the role of the gas aggregator as good as non-existent. Secondly, the agreement allows for the exclusive use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for household cooking, which is primarily subsidized by the federal government.
Response from Abang Johari’s Chief Political Secretary
Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, the chief political secretary to Abang Johari, has responded to Chong’s criticism, questioning why he did not seek any clarification from Azalina in parliament and instead chose to "train his guns on the Sarawak government". He also asked whether Chong remained silent in parliament and only raised the issue upon returning to Kuching because he did not want to fight for Sarawak’s rights.
Conclusion
The agreement between the federal and state governments has brought an end to the dispute over Sarawak’s claim over oil and gas resources and the right to impose a state sales tax on Petronas. However, Chong’s concerns over the agreement have raised questions about the extent of Sarawak’s control over its oil and gas resources. The issue is set to be debated in parliament next week, with Chong vowing to raise the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main concern of Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen?
A: Chong is concerned that the agreement may undermine Sarawak’s claim for its rights over oil and gas extracted from the state.
Q: What are the key provisions of the agreement?
A: The agreement allows Petros, as the state’s sole gas aggregator, to have no control over liquefied natural gas (LNG), the state’s most significant revenue-generating product. It also allows for the exclusive use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for household cooking.
Q: What is the response from Abang Johari’s chief political secretary?
A: Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman questioned Chong’s decision not to seek clarification from Azalina in parliament and instead chose to "train his guns on the Sarawak government". He also asked whether Chong remained silent in parliament and only raised the issue upon returning to Kuching because he did not want to fight for Sarawak’s rights.