Lo Khere Chiang
KUCHING (Feb 11): The Sarawak DAP should “stop repeating the same old tired accusations” in blaming Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders for the passing of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974, said Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
The SUPP deputy secretary-general, who is Batu Kitang MP, said the decision at the time was made by past leaders under Barisan Nasional, and did not involve present-day GPS leaders.
“How old were most of the present GPS leaders when the PDA was passed? Some of them were very young politicians and others were just kids.
“What could they have done at the time? History cannot be changed, but the future can be fought for and that is exactly what the present leadership in GPS is doing today,” he said in a statement today.
He emphasised that every Sarawakian leader, regardless of political affiliation, should set aside party politics and work together to protect Sarawak’s interests.
“This is bigger than political rivalry—this is about Sarawak’s future. Do the right thing and stand with GPS. Stand with Sarawak,” he added.
He also called on Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen to use his position as Stampin MP to advocate for Sarawak’s rights at the federal level, instead of criticising GPS leaders.
Lo said rather than working with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to assert the state’s rightful authority over its natural wealth, Chong chose to recently call for a press conference to direct criticism at GPS.
“Chong is not just any politician—he is a federal MP and part of the Unity Government. This places him in a unique position with direct access to key decision-makers in Putrajaya.
“Yet, rather than using this platform to advocate for Sarawak’s rights, he appears more focused on criticising Abang Johari and GPS—the very leaders working to negotiate a stronger position for Sarawak.
“By taking this approach, Chong risks weakening Sarawak’s bargaining power. If he is truly committed to defending Sarawak’s interests, why not leverage his federal influence to advance Sarawak’s case?
“Why not push for meaningful dialogue that ensures Sarawak’s rightful stake in its own resources, rather than undermining those actively working toward that goal?”
Lo was referring to Chong’s press conference last Saturday, where the latter questioned whether the state government had surrendered the state’s oil and gas rights to the federal government.
This was after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in a parliamentary reply said that Sarawak has accepted the PDA 1974 as the governing law for Malaysia’s petroleum industry.
Lo, who had issued a statement on Sunday criticising Chong for the press conference, said that Chong’s approach “risks weakening Sarawak’s bargaining power” with Putrajaya.
“This is a critical moment. Abang Johari has been clear about Sarawak’s role as the sole gas aggregator for the state, and the Sarawak government has issued formal statements reinforcing this position.
“Yet, challenges remain. The path to securing greater control over Sarawak’s resources remains complex, and sustained unity among Sarawakian leaders is crucial.”
He said despite recognising the PDA 1974, the GPS government is consistent in asserting that Sarawak’s authority over its oil and gas remains intact.
The state government, he added, understands the need for the PDA 1974 to co-exist with the state’s Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 in order not to disrupt existing contracts between Petronas and international companies.
However, he said under the Sarawak Sales Tax Ordinance and in line with the OMO 1958, Petronas is required to remit a 5 per cent sales tax on petroleum products to Sarawak, as affirmed by the Federal Court in 2020.
This reinforces Sarawak’s authority to impose fiscal measures on its resources while maintaining stability in the oil and gas sector, he said.
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