Shafie will meet Dr M for clarification on oil royalty promise

Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal says he wants to get more details on statement that oil-producing states will get royalty based on profits.

Warisan president Shafie Apdal had welcomed the initial announcement of a 20% oil royalty for Sabah. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal refused to comment on the latest announcement by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the distribution of profit to oil-producing states.

The PM’s announcement was seen as contradicting his previous statement on the matter.

Speaking to reporters in Kota Kinabalu today, Shafie said he will defer an answer to the question on what he thought Mahathir meant, pending further discussion with the prime minister.

“I will tell you later. I have yet to get details (on the matter). I will talk to Tun Mahathir,” he said.

On Thursday, Mahathir announced in Parliament that the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government would honour its promise to provide 20% royalty to petroleum-producing states.

But later, he clarified the statement, saying the 20% payment would be based on profit instead of royalty.

Shafie had welcomed Mahathir’s first announcement, describing it as an indication of Mahathir’s concern for Sabah rights.

The Parti Warisan Sabah president said securing the 20% oil royalty was part of the party’s manifesto and an election promise made together with its partners in Pakatan Harapan.

He said the announcement was a clear reflection that the new governments in Malaysia and Sabah were serious about fulfilling the aspirations of the people who wanted change. - FMT