Sabah’s opposition divided over oil
Joe Fernandez
January 26, 2012: The oil royalty issue took centre stage during Chinese New Year, with Anwar pledging 20 percent if Pakatan comes to power, Jeffrey demanding 50 percent while there also those pushing for 70 percent.
Mere hours before Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim flew into Kota Kinabalu for a PKR Chinese New Year gathering, Jeffrey Kitingan issued a policy statement on the federal government’s payment of oil royalty to the oil states.
Jeffrey’s State Reform Party (STAR) wants a hike in the present measly five percent oil royalty to 50 percent, covering both the inner and outer waters. More on this in a while.
Earlier, just before Chinese New Year, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) revealed its economic plan which, among others, held out without much hope for a 20 percent oil royalty. The party’s other ideas for the oil and gas resources are to try and squeeze export duties, excise, and land taxes.