KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has declined to comment on former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's remarks that oversights in the negotiations on gas resource rights between PETRONAS and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) could have serious repercussions on the nation's economy.
"That is his view. I have no comment," he told reporters after opening the Public Sector Financial Transformation Conference here on Wednesday (Aug 6).
Rafizi was reported to have said that PETRONAS risked losing between RM15bil and RM20bil annually if Sarawak's claims to gas resources were accepted without considering the existing overall financial structure.
In the latest episode of his podcast "Yang Berhenti Menteri" on Monday (Aug 4), he said PETRONAS contributed RM30bil to RM35bil annually to the government's coffers.
"If this sum drops, it would have an impact on the nation's ability to fund basic services," he said, adding that this included schools, hospitals, infrastructure development, pensions and civil service salaries in Sarawak and across the country.
Rafizi also said Sarawakians deserved more revenue from their resources, but the negotiations should result in a win-win solution.
"I agree that Sarawak should get more, but we need to find a way that will not impact the industry, PETRONAS' sustainability and the country," he said.
