Sarawak S Job Restrictions Dangerous And Divisive Says Zaid

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Ex-law minister says Sarawak should not bar other Malaysians from working in the Bornean state.
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said Malaysians should be able to work anywhere in the country, including in Sarawak. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has urged Putrajaya to ensure Malaysians can work freely across the country, saying Sarawak’s immigration rules should not restrict citizens from seeking employment in the Bornean state
Zaid said Sarawak’s immigration rules made it difficult for Malaysians to move freely for job opportunities.
“Sarawak is using its immigration powers to limit (West Malaysian) workers in the state. If this persists, how are we going to have peace in the country?
“People in Malaysia should be able to work anywhere. It should be a free flow of people. That is the absolute principle that the federal government must assert,” he said in the latest episode of the Zaid Ibrahim Podcast joined by PKR’s Hassan Karim.
The former Kota Bharu MP also said Sarawak’s push to be given RM10 billion annually by Petronas under a gas distribution agreement would bankrupt the national oil and gas firm.
“We must hold firm to the principle that the Petroleum Development Act is the supreme law. Petronas’s role cannot be diminished,” he added.
Separately, Hassan said the federal and Sarawak governments must quickly resolve disputes between Petronas and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) for the sake of both national and state interests.
Failing to do so would hamper Petronas’s revenue and global image, he said, adding that this would be “politically dangerous”.
The Pasir Gudang MP also cautioned that foreign powers could take advantage of such divisions in the federation.
“When we are facing external threats, we must be united at home. Therefore, these issues must be resolved quickly, with consideration for both the federal government and the people of Sarawak.
“Those resources lie in Sarawak, but at the same time, the government needs Petronas to remain strong because of its contributions to the country’s economy,” said Hassan. - FMT

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