KOTA KINABALU: Sabah deserves diesel subsidies as a major oil and gas producer, says Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Deputy Chief Minister III said revenue from Sabah’s oil and gas industry has contributed to the development of other states without similar resources.
He added that he had repeatedly reminded the federal Cabinet that Sabah and other oil and gas-producing states have effectively subsidised development elsewhere.
“That is why Sabah deserves to enjoy the returns, not only in terms of development but also to ensure they are used for domestic needs,” said Ewon, who is also state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, after an Upko Hari Raya event here on Thursday (March 26).
The Upko president said it was time for the federal government to prioritise and study the domestic needs of oil and gas-producing states.
“Sabah, as a producer of oil and gas, deserves to receive fair returns from the revenues generated by this industry,” he said.
Commenting on the recent reduction of the diesel subsidy quota from 300 litres to 200 litres, Ewon said the federal government must explain the rationale behind the move, although he acknowledged that conflicts in the Middle East have affected global fuel prices.
He said it would be prudent for Putrajaya to consider how exported fuel could instead be utilised domestically.
Conveying public concerns over possible disruptions to food and other supplies, Ewon said differences should unite rather than divide communities, as seen in other countries.
“Yes, it is true that politically, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia have differences over rights that have yet to be fulfilled.
“But these claims do not affect federal-state relations,” he said.
Responding to questions on why diesel subsidies continue for Sabah, Ewon said critics should first consider which states produce oil and gas.
“Sabah is a producer, and its people have the right to know what is returned to them,” he said.
“We have contributed to development in many areas. It is time to restore what Sabah has lost since the enforcement of certain laws, including the Petroleum Development Act,” he added.
