Sarawak’s push for LHDN rep ‘shows distrust of Putrajaya’

 

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob depends on Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg to shore up support for him through Gabungan Parti Sarawak. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak’s push for a representative on the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) shows the “distrust” the state has for the federal government, according to political observers.

They say it is also because the federal ruling coalitions have been unstable over the last few years, with their hold on power heavily dependent on the support of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Political analyst Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the move for a Sarawak representative on the LHDN board was among five remaining demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

It was never pursued all these years and “is only being done now when the prime minister is dependent on the support of GPS to stay in power,” he told FMT.

-ADVERTISEMENT-

Ads by 

“I am sure Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob wants Sarawak to continue being on his side, failing which his government will fall.

“(Don’t forget that) he is under pressure from his own party (Umno) to hold the next general election before the tabling of the 2023 budget in October.”

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said yesterday that the state had named its representative to the LHDN board to monitor federal government revenue to ensure it received its fair share of the special annual grant.

Awang Azman said Ismail’s situation had become more precarious with the recent exposure that he had entered into an agreement with Bersatu, without Umno’s knowledge, on the offer of the deputy prime minister’s post.

“In this context, Ismail needs to fulfil the demands of Sarawak so that the current government can last until next year, as wished for by the Umno faction comprising ministers. They fear losing their position and power otherwise,” he said.

Klang MP Charles Santiago said recent decisions by the Sarawak government clearly showed a lack of faith in the federal leadership. “It’s almost like Sarawak wants to stand on its own, or rather wants to be an independent state,” he said.

“GPS’ kiss of life is vital for Barisan Nasional to rule for some time to come. It certainly says a lot about Sarawak-federal government ties.”

He said there was a possibility that other states would also want a representative on the LHDN board to ensure fair distribution of funds. - FMT