MANGGATAL: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi advised those who accused the Federal Government of acting tyrannically with regard to oil royalty distribution "to go back to kindergarten"."They claimed that Sabah only get five per cent of oil royalty while the other 95 per cent allegedly monopolised by the Federal government. Please-lah... do not make mistake about this," he said in his speech at the Meet the People event, here, Saturday.
Zahid explained what was actually determined back then was that Sabah would receive five per cent after everything else was accounted for, namely the production and exploration costs.
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Besides, he said it is wrong to say that the 95 per cent was taken by Kuala Lumpur.
"Those were not kept in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's account, or anybody's accounts," he said.
He slammed those who have been playing up the oil royalty issue and the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan, saying that it is unfair to say that Sabah is only for Sabahans.
The government, he said, is fair and will always take care of the people and their economy.
"Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is a leader who is concerned about the welfare of the people.
If he needs anything for Sabah, the Prime Minister's door and my door is always open for discussion.
"We are in one country and the needs of each state is different. So we, myself and the Prime Minister, will always listen," he said.
This is why, he said Sabahans must continue its support towards Barisan Nasional and ensure the coalition will win in the next election because if Sabahans' support remained strong, more funds will be given to the State.
Zahid also chaffed at what he branded as seasonal politicians who only go to the ground when election season is near.
"They are like bats and flying foxes every time it is fruit season. They smell the scents of fruits and they come to get these fruits.
"But Umno is different. We are men for all seasons. That is why we are here always, it matters not whether it is election season or out of season, we will always be near to the people," he said.
Therefore, he said BN supporters must ensure that Karambunai and Sepanggar are won by BN and at the same time, recapture Inanam which is now represented by PKR.
During the event which was attended by about 3,000 people, Zahid also approved requests from Sepanggar Umno to upgrade the SK Tebobon's assembly hall, to repair the school's gate, build a religious school and a surau for the people. - Tracy Patrick
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