S4S supports state’s decision to impose 5 pct sales tax on petroleum products

MIRI: The Sarawak for Sarawakian ( S4S) movement criticised the federal government and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for their comment on the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products that it will burden the people as an attempt to divert the people’s attention from the real issue – Sarawak’s rights on oil and gas.

S4S spokesperson Chan Chee Hiong, in a press release yesterday, suggested that the federal government review their own action before making such comment.

“In the past 55 years, the federal government took 95 per cent of revenue from Sarawak’s oil and gas resources. Yet, the 20 per cent royalty promised to Sarawak had become an empty promise.

“It is a huge disappointment especially after they had mentioned the 20 per cent royalty promise again in the GE14 (14th general election).

“Now that the Sarawak government is imposing the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products, which Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had assured would not burden the people, this move is much welcome by Sarawak people as it would help increase the revenue for Sarawak,” said Chan.

Chan stressed that if Peninsular Malaysia and the federal government were dissatisfied with the new tax, he suggested that they reconsider the real significance behind the formation of Federation of Malaysia.

“In fact, many Sarawakians are not happy with Sarawak government’s five per cent tax. They actually demanded for 50 per cent that should have been returned to Sarawak.

“If GPS government wants to get the support from its people, they should have shown a tougher attitude by imposing 50 per cent tax on petroleum products. The people want a tough and good government that dares to be bold, just like the late Adenan Satem who won the heart of Sarawakians,” he said, referring to the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.

Chan felt unhappy with how the DAP elected representatives had twisted the five per cent sales tax, who accused that Sarawakians would have to pay more when buying fuel due to the new sales tax.

“They went around telling people that after imposing the new sales tax, Sarawakians will have to pay RM2.31 per litre for RON95, which is much expensive than the present price of RM2.20. This could cause confusion and fear among the people.”

Chan wants the people to see clearly the tactic used by the PH government that has been trying to confuse people yet they have no intention of increasing the oil royalty to Sarawak.

The decision to impose five per cent sales tax on petroleum products beginning Jan 1 next year was made by the Sarawak government after thorough analysis and careful consideration.

The tax will be imposed on crude oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, chemical- based fertilisers and gas- to- liquid products.

The revenue from the imposition of the sales tax is estimated to be RM3.897 billion next year.