KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) would fulfill Sarawak’s demand for a 20 per cent share of revenue from oil derived from the state within a year of winning the general election, said the head of the local DAP chapter.
According to the Star Online portal, Chong Chieng Jen also said 10 per cent of the amount would be paid directly to state residents.
Chong, who is also Sarawak PH chief, said that the 20 per cent royalty would amount to RM6 billion at prevailing prices of between RM195 and RM215 per barrel.
“This means RM600 million will be given as cash dividends to all Sarawakians,” he said, based on the promise to pay out 10 per cent directly.
Chong added that the principle behind PH’s policy was that natural resources belonged to the people and the proceeds from these should go back to them.
He also said the dividends would be distributed to targeted recipients, particularly those in the B40 income group, or to set up a sovereign wealth fund in which the state’s residents would all have a share.
“We want every Sarawakian to have a sense of ownership in our oil resources. As for how to distribute it, the mechanism will be worked out later.
“But we guarantee that, within one year, 10 per cent of the royalty revenues will be paid out to the people,” he said.
Separately, the portal also reported Chong as saying PH would allocate RM1 billion for the repair and upkeep of Sarawak school’s as well as to increase staffing and facilities.
Other pledges in PH’s so-called “New Deal” include setting up a stable price support system for rubber and pepper farmers, subsidised public bus services in major towns, efficient application process for identity cards and birth certificates for rural folk, and distributions of funds for places of worship and religious activities.
