KUCHING: Sarawak should benefit from Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) future success through annual dividend payouts if the state secures a 30 per cent stake in the national oil company, says Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
He asserted that the proposal, which he first raised in Parliament on Feb 13, was aimed at compensating Sarawak for past exploitation of its oil and gas resources.
“The question to ask is whether the 30 per cent stake in Petronas is beneficial to Sarawak. I do not see how such a demand can be detrimental to the state,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
As such, the Stampin MP affirmed that DAP Sarawak stands by the call made by its youth wing, DAPSY Sarawak.
On Monday (March 10), the youth wing said DAP Sarawak has expressed willingness to collaborate with the state’s ruling party in advocating for Sarawak’s oil and gas rights, including securing a 30 per cent stake in Petronas.
Chong reaffirmed that the proposal was the party’s official stance, adding that during his debate in Parliament, many Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs supported the idea.
He further said DAP Sarawak would push for the federal cabinet to accept the proposal, given that the cabinet currently includes five GPS ministers, including a Deputy Prime Minister.
On whether this signaled a shift in DAP Sarawak’s approach toward working with GPS, Chong maintained that while the party remained critical of GPS’ governance, it fully supported efforts to secure more rights and revenue for Sarawak.
