AN increase in oil and gas royalties for Sarawak are a done deal under a Pakatan Harapan federal government, PH Sarawak chief Chong Chieng Jen said.

A PH government will not spend any more time negotiating for 20% royalties and for 50% of all taxes collected in Sarawak to be returned to the state, whereas Putrajaya under Barisan Nasional is still negotiating the matter with the state government, he said.

“It’s a done deal. No more negotiation. All done and dusted and the deal is set,” Chong, who is PH’s candidate for the Stampin federal seat, told a ceramah at Kuching city mall yesterday.

A PH federal government will also ensure Sarawak has full autonomy over education and health, said Chong, who is Sarawak DAP chairman.

Chong is Bandar Kuching’s three-term incumbent but is moving to take on Stampin to face BN’s Dr Sim Kui Hian, president of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).

His move is in line with the DAP’s strategy to field its prominent leaders in tough seats in a bid to turn the tide in PH’s favour. Stampin will be a closely watched fight as the opposition has accused BN of gerrymandering after the state seat of Batu Lintang was shifted out and the new mixed state seat of Batu Kitang was added in. 

PH, in its manifesto for Sarawak, promised to fulfil the return of state rights and royalties in the first 100 days of its administration.

Chong said the offer of full autonomy on education and healthcare services to the state is “something beyond” what is contained in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“The MA63 did not promise full autonomy. Under the agreement, education and health care are still federal matters.”

PH in its manifesto promised to set up a special cabinet committee to enforce MA63. – May 2, 2018.