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KUCHING (Feb 11): Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) should stop blaming Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for the passing of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974, said Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, deputy secretary-general of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP).
He stressed that the decision was made by past leaders under Barisan Nasional (BN), not the current GPS leadership. According to Lo, many of today’s GPS leaders were either very young politicians or just children when the act was passed.
“History cannot be changed, but the future can be fought for. This is exactly what the present GPS leadership is doing today,” said Lo, who is also Batu Kitang MP. He urged Sarawak’s leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to work together for the betterment of the state.
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“This is bigger than politics. It’s about Sarawak’s future. Set aside differences and stand with GPS to protect Sarawak’s interests,” he said.
Lo called on Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen to use his federal position as Stampin MP to fight for Sarawak’s rights at the national level rather than criticize GPS leaders.
“Chong is part of the Unity Government and has direct access to decision-makers in Putrajaya. Why not use that platform to push for Sarawak’s rights instead of weakening Sarawak’s bargaining power?” Lo questioned.
The statement came after Chong held a press conference questioning whether the Sarawak government had surrendered its oil and gas rights to the federal government following a parliamentary reply from Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Azalina stated that Sarawak had accepted the PDA 1974 as the governing law for the petroleum industry.
Lo reaffirmed that GPS remains committed to asserting Sarawak’s authority over its resources despite recognizing the PDA 1974. He highlighted that the Sarawak Sales Tax Ordinance and Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 ensure the state’s right to impose a 5% sales tax on petroleum products, as affirmed by the Federal Court in 2020.
“The Sarawak government’s position as the sole gas aggregator for the state remains intact, but this journey requires unity and focus,” said Lo.
He concluded by calling for sustained efforts among Sarawak leaders to protect the state’s natural wealth and strengthen its future. — The Borneo Post