Wan Azizah contradicts Mahathir and says 20% Oil Royalty promise still on

(FMT) – The Pakatan Harapan government is committed to fulfil the promises made in its election manifesto, including on the distribution of oil revenue for Sabah, said Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

She said the government was in the midst of establishing a mechanism on the matter.

Asked on whether PH had made a U-turn in connection with the oil royalty promise, she said: “No, no… I have to refer back to the PM (Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad) because it is in our manifesto.

“But we have to think of the coffers of the country and then see how we can fulfil it properly and not make empty promises. 

“We are committed because it is in our manifesto but how to pay it is something else,” she said after launching a seminar in Tuaran near here today.

On Thursday, Mahathir announced in Parliament that the PH-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.

Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal, who welcomed Mahathir’s first announcement, has reserved comments on the matter pending discussions with the prime minister.

READ: Mahathir’s U-Turn: 20% Oil Royalty Will Come From Profits, Not Revenue

Meanwhile, Wan Azizah said PH will be using the PKR logo for the Sungai Kandis by-election in Selangor.

“We used PKR’s logo in the last election so it will be the same (for Sungai Kandis),” she said.

The Sungai Kandis by-election on Aug 4 will be a three-cornered fight between PKR, Barisan Nasional and an independent candidate.

The candidates are Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni (PKR), Lokman Noor Adam (BN) and K Murthy (independent).

The by-election is being held following the death of assemblyman Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei of PKR, who died of cancer on July 2.