Harris, Pairin urged to come forward, clarify reason behind signing of Petroleum Development Act

8 July 2020

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Two Sabah reps have urged former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh and Minister Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan to come forward and clarify why they decided to sign the Petroleum Development Act in 1974.

Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick and Luyang Assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe who challenged the two ministers said the Petronas Agreement pact was a big mistake as Sabah had forever lost authority over oil and gas resources in Sabah.

It is this mistake that has hampered development in Sabah which today still faces poor road network, problematic water and electricity supply, lacking of healthcare and education facilities as well as other social amenities especially in the rural areas.

“As the Chief Minister and Minister who signed the Petronas Agreement, we urge and challenge Harris and Pairin to come forward and clarify why they made the decision,” said Ewon and Phoong in a joint statement today.

Ewon and Phoong also mentioned that the two former ministers have never issued any statement or given any explanation regarding that matter.

“They will be remembered for this mistake which cannot be forgiven by the people of Sabah.

“As a new generation of Wakil Rakyat, we take it as a lesson. Hopefully the current and future Goverment of Sabah will not repeat such mistake,” they stressed.

“Instead, we must defend our remaining rights and continue to demand the fulfilment of our rights as enshrined in the Malaysian Agreement 1963.

“That is why both of us, together with several other ADUN and Member of Parliament, have filed Originating Summon at High Court to demand the fulfilment to 40% federal revenue in Sabah as in the Article 112 of the Federal Constitution,” they added.

Recently, Salleh and Pairin have made statements regarding illegal immigrant issues in Sabah which have made headlines in the state.