Salleh wants federal government to consider young Sabahans’ request for oil royalty hike

Sabah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chief  Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak has urged the Federal government to consider seriously requests from young Sabahans for an immediate review of the Sabah oil royalty.

He said the review was necessary and timely in view of the mounting calls, including from Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders in the state for oil royalty hike.

Salleh, who is also State Legislative Assembly Speaker, believed the majority of the people of Sabah would support such a move.

“As such, the Federal government should consider seriously these requests for the good of the people and the state.

“Don’t just ignore (their requests)…majority will agree with them, and if they (Federal government) cannot fulfill, they should explain, including the possible options given to Sabah,” he told reporters after launching a motor drifting competition, here today.

Salleh was asked to comment on  the calls by the youth wings of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Pertubuhan Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Bersatu (Upko) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) yesterday for the government to consider increasing oil royalties for Sabah and Sarawak from five per cent to 20 per cent.

Led by PBS youth chief Datuk Jake Nointin, Upko by Arthur Sen, and PBRS by Arthur Kurup, they were quoted as saying that they would submit their proposal to the government soon.

They were reported to have made the call in light of the new Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s recent statement asking for the royalty to be increased to 20 per cent.

Salleh said he was optimistic the Federal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, would find an amicable solution.

In this respect, he called on the people to give undivided support to Najib, saying “he is the best person to deal with this royalty issue”.