Kelantan NGO: We are still waiting for our oil royalty

The situation in Kelantan is the same now as it was during the BN administration as the current Pakatan Harapan government has failed until now to fulfil its promise to pay oil royalty to the state.

NGO Royalti president Nazri Deraman pointed out this promise was included in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto but it has yet to materialise.

“As soon as Harapan formed the government at the federal level, all sorts of media statements were made by the leadership, even talking about their readiness to pay oil royalty.

“But till now, after having been in power for almost two years, that promise remains an empty promise that has never been fulfilled.

“In the early stages of the transition of power and the formation of the government, we placed high hopes that some justice will be given to the Kelantan people.

“All sorts of technical excuses, which are actually political excuses, were given to legitimise this oppression and denial,” Nazri said in a statement to Malaysiakini today.

He explained that the Kelantan government has taken all steps necessary, such as holding meetings and discussions, as well as withdrawing its lawsuit against Petronas and the federal government, as a requirement for the state government so that the Kelantan people can get their dues.

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali had even stressed that the oil royalty will be paid to Kelantan after they withdraw their lawsuit, Nazri reminded.

“Then, on Sept 18, Deputy Finance Minister Amiruddin Hamzah said the federal government has not yet made any decision on the payment of petroleum royalty to Kelantan.

“All of Kelantan is following the development of this issue closely. We ask, what is actually happening?

“The prime minister and the economic affairs minister have many times given their guarantees that they will pay the royalty. Then the Finance Ministry seemed to be making a statement to the contrary.

“The people of Kelantan demand a clear answer on the findings of the cabinet committee which was formed,” Nazri said. - Mkini