Ensure people enjoy full benefits of S’wak’s resources, urges assemblyman

THE Sarawak government must ensure that the people will enjoy the full benefits from the state’s resources such as oil and gas.

According to Yakub Arbi ( PBB-Balingian), the Malaysian government’s take of 93 per cent from offshore regimes is the highest in the world compared to Norway at 78 per cent or United Kingdom at 62 per cent.

“Petronas can now boast having RM130 billion cash balance as reported and this can be put into good use in Sarawak,” he said when debating on the motion of appreciation to the Yang Dipertua Negeri on his opening address at the state legislative assembly ( DUN) yesterday.

“There is no excuse for Petronas to spend more money and investments overseas than in Sarawak.

“We still lack even basic amenities such as electricity and treated water especially in the rural areas, whereas the bulk of profits from oil and gas industries are used to develop Peninsular Malaysia,” he added.

Yakub said while Sarawak still believe in negotiation and diplomacy, the state cannot remain silent anymore and all Petronas investments and operations within Sarawak territory must benefit Sarawakians.

On another matter, Yakub suggested the setting up of Youth Assembly to engage the participation of youths in politics.

“The assembly can be used to train discerning youths on leadership and to discuss government policies and issues,” he explained.

It could also become an important avenue for shaping youths into becoming future leaders, he said.