(Kuching, 25th) Sarawak United People's Party Youth Wing Deputy Chief Eric Tay Tze Kok pointed out that Sarawak, as a major contributor of natural resources in Malaysia, has an unquestionable legitimate right in managing its own natural gas resources.
"The factual and powerful response by Sarawak's Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Dr. Julaihi Narawi in Parliament fully illustrates the legitimacy of Sarawak in defending its rights."
He regrets that these voices have not been heard nationwide and have been subjected to negative interpretations and accusations by some individuals.
He fully supports the Sarawak government's policy of controlling local natural gas resources through Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd as the sole aggregator and believes that the federal government and Petronas should recognize Sarawak's entitlements.
In a statement yesterday, Eric Tay Tze Kok suggested that the federal government and Petronas should reassess the resource allocation policy to ensure that Sarawak can use at least 50% of its natural gas production for local industries and power development, to drive economic diversification and improve the living standards of the people.
Regarding the revenue generated by Sarawak's resources, he pointed out that the federal government and Petronas should establish a fair distribution mechanism, returning a larger portion of the profits to Sarawak for the improvement of infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He said the federal government and Petronas should strictly adhere to Sarawak laws, respecting Sarawak's sovereignty over its natural gas resources.
He disclosed that Sarawak's management of natural gas resources through Sarawak Petchem is not only legal and reasonable but also aligns with the spirit of development commitments in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.
"Given the excessive extraction of Sarawak's resources over the past 50 years, the federal government and Petronas should establish a special development fund to provide continuous support for Sarawak's economic construction to compensate for the long-term neglect of Sarawak's development."
Eric Tay Tze Kok pointed out that as part of Malaysia, Sarawak has made significant contributions to the national economic development.
"However, for a long time, the resources of Sarawak have not been reasonably returned to local development, and the rights of the people have not been duly protected."
He stated that Sarawak's control over natural gas resources through Sarawak Petchem is in defense of its legitimate rights and for achieving fairer development.
He said the federal government and Petronas should act morally, recognize Sarawak's contribution, stop false accusations against Sarawak, and allocate more resources for its development.
"Only through fairness and respect can true national unity and prosperity be achieved. Sarawak deserves not just a 'thank you' but also substantial returns and support."