SIBU: Senator Robert Lau has welcomed the proposal by former minister Zaid Ibrahim for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to examine how PETRONAS' wealth has been utilised, particularly concerning management, transparency and fairness in resource distribution among states.
However, Lau noted that Zaid’s support appeared "conditional," as it was accompanied by a veiled criticism of Sarawak’s governance, suggesting that the inquiry's scope be expanded to include how Sarawak’s power and wealth have been managed.
“Why single out Sarawak? Why not begin at the very top, where wastage and scandals are prevalent? This seems to be an attempt to distract from the real issues,” Lau stated in a press release on Friday (Aug 29).
“The nation is burdened with more than RM1.3 trillion in public debt and an annual budget deficit that adds nearly RM100bil to this figure each year. What is most concerning is the lack of a clear timeline for when Malaysia will achieve a balanced budget again,” he said.
Lau mentioned that Sarawakians and Sabahans could understandably feel dissatisfied with the federal government’s management of their natural resources.
Lau said that the focus should remain on economic transformation at the national level, ensuring Malaysia reduces its dependence on natural resources from Sarawak and Sabah.
“The states should be allowed to use their natural resources for their own development,” he added.
