The Court of Appeal today was told today that Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has given the undertaking to withdraw its appeal against the Kuching High Court's decision that Sarawak is entitled to collect sales tax on petroleum products.
State legal counsel Datuk Seri J. C Fong told a three-member bench that in view of the undertaking by Petronas to withdraw the appeal, the Sarawak State was not objecting to the postponement application made by the oil and gas company.
Fong is representing the state government of Sarawak and the Comptroller of the State Sales Tax of Sarawak.
Earlier, Petronas's counsel Datuk Malik Imtiaz Sarwar informed the court that by way of a letter dated yesterday, Petronas had asked for the appeal hearing to be adjourned for reasons set out in the letter.
For that reason, the hearing scheduled for today has been reverted to mention of the matter, said Malik, who then requested the court to set Aug 3 for mention of the appeal.
Outside the court, Malik told reporters that the appeal was adjourned to Aug 3 to allow Petronas to finalise the terms of settlement with the Sarawak state.
Malik said based on the letter, Petronas has given the undertaking to withdraw the appeal before Aug 3.
He said the agreement is pending settlement being finalised and internal process to be fulfilled.
Justice Datuk Seri Kamaludin Md Said who led the appellate court bench allowed the adjournment and fixed Aug 3 for mention.
The other two judges presiding were P. Ravinthran and Datuk Abu Bakar Jais.
On March 13 this year, the Kuching High Court ruled that Article 95B (3) of the Federal Constitution provided that the Legislature of Sabah and Sarawak may make laws for the imposition of sales tax.
The High Court judge Azhahari Kamal Ramli said that provision stated that any sales tax imposed by state law to be deemed among the matters enumerated in the state list, the State Sales Tax Ordinance and any subsidiary legislation made thereunder is constitutional and valid.
He dismissed Petronas's judicial review application to quash the notices of assessment issued by the Sarawak state government seeking the company to pay RM1.3 billion in SST.
Petronas was also seeking, among others, a declaration of certain sections of the notices as ultra vires to the Federal Constitution and null and void, and also a certiorari order that the notices dated Aug 28, 2019, Oct 7, 2019, and Nov 13, 2019, issued by Sarawak state government to Petronas to be quashed.
Malik also told the media that the Sarawak government's lawsuit to recover unpaid SST from Petronas has been set for case management on next Friday.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jun 23 2020
On March 13 this year, the Kuching High Court ruled that Article 95B (3) of the Federal Constitution provided that the Legislature of Sabah and Sarawak may make laws for the imposition of sales tax.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.