KUCHING: The statement made by Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen alleging that Sarawak has surrendered its oil and gas rights to the federal government is merely a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to fight for Sarawak’s interests.
Tupong assemblyman and chief political secretary to the Premier, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, expressed surprise that Chong made such a statement without first seeking clarification from the relevant minister, choosing instead to direct his criticism at the Sarawak government.
“This, he said, was from the parliamentary response by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to his question in Parliament, indicating that Sarawak has acknowledged the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974.
“Why did he keep quiet then and be easily satisfied by the response from the Minister? Is it because he did not want to fight for Sarawak rights?
“He then only shouted about it when returning to Kuching instead of raising the issue in Parliament there and then.
“He could have asked for clarification from the Minister or he can get his party secretary-general to ask on his behalf in Cabinet. Why didn’t he do it?” Fazzrudin questioned in a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile, on the response by Azalina, he questioned whether Azalina was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg when the matter was discussed.
“The position of Sarawak has been clear all along that PDA 1974 and the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 must coexist to ensure Sarawak rights are protected.
“Our leaders of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and our parliamentarians are committed to fight for Sarawak rights, but it seems that Chong and the DAP are more interested in scoring political points rather than addressing the issue. What have you done for Sarawak?
“Regardless, the Parliamentary sitting is still ongoing and I am sure that our GPS MPs will seek clarification from the Minister concerned on her response during her winding-up speech later,” he said.
Thus, he urged Chong to not jump the gun merely to seek popularity.
“If popularity is what he wants, I am sure that the people of Sarawak will appreciate their MP to fight for Sarawak rights rather than just shouting about it,” he said.
