SUPP shocked govt cannot pay 20 pct oil royalty

KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) was shocked when the Pakatan Harapan ( PH) federal government said it could not pay the 20 per cent oil royalty to Sarawak.

The party is thus demanding an explanation from PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen.

“The payment of 20 per cent oil royalty to Sarawak is part and parcel of the PH pledges made before the last general election. Now that PH is the ruling government, it should pay the 20 per cent oil royalty to Sarawak,” said the party through a press statement yesterday.

“Minister of Economic Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had declared in parliament that the federal government could not implement the pledge.”

SUPP said it condemned the PH federal government for not keeping its pledge.

“The PH has cheated Sarawakians. Chong must declare his stance on the issue, whether he agreed with the decision of the federal government or not.”

SUPP thus demanded that Chong explain to Sarawakians the implementation of his election pledges, including the 20 per cent oil royalty payment to Sarawak and the recognition of UEC.

“Oil is an important resource of Sarawak. Oil royalty is important to Sarawak. We shall not endorse any reasons on the non-payment of the oil royalty by the federal government. Chong should not avoid issues affecting the people’s welfare and interests. He should also stop safeguarding the interests of Malayans at the expense of Sarawakians,” the statement added.