Moratorium to be lifted once discussion ends well – Uggah
We are confident that the outcome of this effort can be seen in the near future, where the people of Sarawak will be able to enjoy better benefits through greater participation in Petronas.
MIRI: Sarawak has so far put 90 new work permit applications from Petronas personnel intending to work in the state in the backburner ever since the moratorium on such applications came into effect on August 7.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state government would only lift the moratorium once the discussion with Petronas on its employment practices in Sarawak ends well.
Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Economy, said this on Sunday when officiating at The Appointment of New Office Bearers 2016-2017 for Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia Sarawak ( Forum) cum Appreciation Night at ParkCity Everly Hotel here.
He reiterated that the state government needed strong support from the people to regain the rights of Sarawak that had eroded over the years.
“We are confident that the outcome of this effort can be seen in the near future, where the people of Sarawak will be able to enjoy better benefits through greater
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Chief Minister
participation in Petronas.”
He admitted the task to get back those rights would not be easy even though they are clearly stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Petroleum Development Act 1974.
On Forum, Uggah appealed for their support to help hasten the pace of rural transformation, particularly in Baram.
He said Forum members must rally behind Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was giving strong emphasis to rural development.
“Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s leadership is an inclusive one. He wants to make sure everyone is included in the development agenda. His main agenda is rural development, and Baram is his focal point.”
Forum houses nine Orang Ulu associations from the Kayan, Kenyah, Lakiput, Penan, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Berawan, Saban and Bisaya communities.
At the function, Uggah announced a grant of RM50,000 under the minor rural project ( MRP) fund for Forum.
Also present were former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, his wife Tan Sri Empiang Jabu, Public Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, Assistant Minister for Land and Air Transportation and Safety Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Dato Gerawat Gala, former Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang and Senator Datuk Lihan Jok.