Associations support CM’s stand on rights over O&G resources
MIRI: The Bumiputera community here are in full support of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s statement that Sarawak will not compromise on regulatory rights over its oil and gas resources.
Miri Malay Association( PMM) president Radzali Alision, in particular, said PMM fully endorsed the state government’s firm stand on Sarawak’ rights to its mineral resources as stipulated in its Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 and its rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
However, he said PMM would like the state to get all its O& G industry players to immediately adhere to all regulations under the OMO without any grace period, especially in the case of Petronas.
“PMM supports the Chief Minister on the rights over Sarawak’s oil and gas resources,” Radzali told The Borneo Post on Sunday.
Radzali also said PMM suggested that the Sarawak government seek details of how payments/royalties are calculated by Petronas all these years and to immediately, before the end of this year, claim back all arrears due to the state and its people.
He said Petronas must also give guarantee of employment of locals, which should form part of the terms of issuing licences under the OMO or other relevant ordinances.
PMM supports the Chief Minister on the rights over Sarawak’s oil and gas resources. Radzali Alision, Miri Malay Association(PMM) president
On the MA63 issue, PMM would like Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and all Sarawak members of Parliament to propose appropriate amendments to any relevant federal laws in the coming parliamentary session without waiting for the federal government to initiate such changes, he added.
Sharing the same view, Persatuan Kedayan Miri ( PKM) chairman Mohd Abdullah is confident that Abang Johari is looking at the issue from a bigger perspective.
He said whatever decision made should be of Sarawak’s interests and rights and no other parties can just step in and do whatever they want to the state’s resources.
“The people of Sarawak have waited so long for our rights to O& G and MA63 and to wait any longer will be very frustrating and unforgiveable,” he said further.
“Our CM has made his research and finding on our rights before we joined Malaysia as we (Sarawak and Sabah) are equal partners with Malaya and stay firm on the decision.”
Persatuan Jattie Meriek ( PJM) committee member Sarkawi Hamzah said the association supported the chief minister’s stand.