Sarawak names rep to sit on LHDN board to monitor federal revenue

 

Abang Johari Openg said this is the latest progress in the state’s demands for its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak has submitted the name of its candidate to sit on the Internal Revenue Board (LHDN) to ensure the state receives the right amount of annual special grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, said premier Abang Johari Openg.

According to a Dayak Daily report, he said this was the latest progress in the state’s demands for its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report.

“If we have a representative on the board, we will know how much revenue the country generates. Then from there, we will know the amount that the federal government can give to us,” Abang Johari was quoted as saying after an Aidiladha event in Kuching yesterday.

“If the financial position is not so good, it is also not right for us to pressure them. But if it is based on a formula, it will be easy.”

Abang Johari said Sarawak had previously stressed that the special grant must be specified with a reasonable formula based on the federal government’s annual revenue and not a fixed amount.

He said although Sarawak did not want to pressure Putrajaya by setting a fixed amount, it must be followed by a formula to create a win-win situation for both sides.

The issue of the rights of Sabah and Sarawak came under spotlight again recently when Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan suggested that a “New Malaysia Agreement” be drawn up.

Soon after, he was criticised by East Malaysian leaders, including Abang Johari, who said the rights under the existing MA63 should be implemented instead.

Mohamad, who is also the BN deputy chairman, later clarified that he was merely making a suggestion, and said it was up to the relevant stakeholders to find the best solution. - FMT