November 04, 2009 19:09 PM

Compassionate Payment: Nik Aziz Grateful But Not Satisfied

KOTA BAHARU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said today that although he is grateful for the compassionate payment from the federal government for its offshore oil production he is still not satisfied.

Nevertheless, the PAS spiritual leader said he would fulfil his "nazar" (spiritual vow) to fast for three days as the payment would benefit the people in Kelantan.

"Deep down in my heart, I'm still not satisfied with the compassionate payment. What we want is the oil royalty," he told Bernama here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today announced that starting next year, Kelantan would receive a compassionate payment through Petronas for its offshore oil production.

Prior to this, the state government had written officially to the federal government seeking RM1 billion in oil royalty since 2004 based on Statistics Department figures.

Nik Aziz said he would convene a meeting of state executive council to further discuss the oil royalty demand.

The menteri besar was disappointed over Najib's remarks that from the legal point of view elantan was not entitled to receive the oil royalty.

Meanwhile, former Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee chairman, Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the state government should be thankful to the federal government as the compassionate payment could be used for the benefit of the people like in education and eradication of poverty.

"I am one of those who are happy with the announcement because Kelantan Umno had also fought for Kelantan to receive the compassionate payment," he said.

Annuar, who is also Kelantan Football Association president, hoped that with the compassionate payment, the state government would upgrade the Sultan Muhammed IV Stadium here.

-- BERNAMA

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