BATU Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang yesterday ticked off state opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen for his remarks on the State 2020 Budget.
He asked the state DAP leader where his interests lay. Was it with Sarawak or Malaya?
“His comments are very mischievous and irresponsible, coming from an MP, a deputy minister and a Sarawakian,” Lo told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building.
“How can you equate the State 2020 Budget with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)? There is a difference between a state budget and a private company. His remarks are ridiculous.”
Lo pointed out that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had tabled a surplus budget for the second year running.
“The Federal Budget is a negative (deficit) budget. As for the state budget, out of RM9 billion, RM6 billion is for development expenditure while RM3 billion is for operating development.”
Lo said Chong’s boss, Finance Minister Lim Guang Eng had only allocated 18 percent of the RM298 billion Federal 2020 Budget for development and contributed a paltry one percent to the State 2020 Budget.
“Chong has no right to comment. If he is indeed a Sarawakian, he should stick to his promises, give us the oil royalty, 50 percent taxes and return our autonomy in terms of healthcare and education.”
Lo also lamented that RM250 million worth of oil and gas from the state had been diverted to the federal coffers and that only five percent was returned to Sarawak.
“Petroliam Nasional Sarawak (Petronas) is refusing to pay even the 5 percent (State Sales Tax). How can we achieve the so-called Shared Prosperity Vision?” he queried.
“Sometimes I wonder, who is actually taking care of who. Is Malaya taking care of Sarawak or is Sarawak taking care of Malaya?”
