SABAHANS are very disappointed with the recent announcement by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo that the state will host the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations on September 16.

Social media was afire with comments like: “So, what is the difference between Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Harapan government? It’s all the same, nothing has changed.”

Every year, the federal government stirs the same anger and resentment. Every year, the same questions: why celebrate Malaysia Day in Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, and not the federal capital? Why are Merdeka celebrations bigger than Malaysia Day’s? Are we Malaya or Malaysia? Why was it only in 2009 that the federal government declared Malaysia Day a public holiday on September 16 and gave the significant date due recognition?

After 55 years of Malaysia, East Malaysians have given up on the concept of a greater Malaysia, where we are recognised as equal partners. Some say in hindsight, Singapore did the right thing at the right time by leaving Malaysia. Singapore’s prosperity and success as a nation after taking that route cannot be denied.

One internet user commented: “If this situation is going to continue under the PH government, we respectfully request (Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) to move Malaysia’s capital to Kota Kinabalu, and for Kuala Lumpur to become the capital of Malaya. In addition, we do not need to celebrate Merdeka in Sabah and Sarawak, saving time, money and resources for a celebration that holds no meaning to East Malaysians.”

There is nothing much to celebrate this Malaysia Day. The oil royalty issue has dampened the spirits of East Malaysians. Most West Malaysians are not concerned with the issue as it does not affect them.

The issue has taken centre stage in “kedai kopi” talk here. The flip-flop between oil royalty and profit-sharing, and the lack of clarity on how the 20% is to be calculated, has raised suspicion and fuelled anger. There is talk about the broken promise in PH’s manifesto, which stated that East Malaysian states would get 20% oil royalty if PH took over Putrajaya.

During Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s recent visit to Sabah, she was reported to have said: “We have to think of the country’s coffers, and then see how we can fulfil it (oil royalty promise) properly because we do not want to make empty promises.”

Such statements have made the situation muddier. Until and unless someone comes up with a clear formula on how the 20% is calculated, the angst felt in East Malaysia will not go away.

Such statements from the DPM, which lack clarity, add fuel to the fire. I have always said the government is the worst communicator when it comes to explaining policies. Putting the cart before the horse creates all kinds of emotions, which is totally unnecessary. It is better to work out the formula first, as stated in Clause 4 of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA).

“In return for the ownership, and the rights, powers, liberties and privileges vested in it by virtue of this act, the corporation shall make to the government of the federation and the government of any relevant state such cash payment as may be agreed between the parties concerned.”

In essence, there must be negotiations and agreements between parties, and it cannot be done unilaterally.

Sarawak has since challenged Petronas, a corporation that has overall rights to oil and gas resources in the state.

Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said the provision of royalty and profits based on oil production are two different things. Hence, he said, the state government wishes to seek further explanation from the federal government on the matter.

Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal has refused to comment, saying he will defer an answer to a question on what he thought Dr Mahathir meant, pending further discussion with the prime minister.

Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said the proposed 20% oil royalty payment to oil-producing states cannot be implemented as it contravenes PDA, further dampening the honeymoon period after PH’s victory.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post last month, Dr Mahathir said Pakatan’s honeymoon would not last forever.

“I can’t always be popular. One day, I will become unpopular because when you are in the government, you have to do unpopular things. So, that (my popularity) is not something permanent,” he was quoted as saying.

For East Malaysians, is the honeymoon with the PH government over? All I can say is, it was good while it lasted. I wish it could be longer, to feel the love, like in Walt Disney cartoons, between federal and state. – July 27, 2018.

* Joe Samad has wide experience working for international companies and government GLC. He is interested in new technology applications in a shared economy and issues affecting the nation,  sharing his worldview across various media platforms.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.