By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 21: Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng (GPS-SUPP) reminds that Sarawak is not just one of the states in Malaysia but a founding partner of the Federation.
The unique position of Sarawak, he said, is rooted in history and enshrined in legal instruments such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and the Cobbold Commission Report.
“These documents must be respected in both spirit and substance,” said Chieng when delivering motion of appreciation on TYT’s speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.
Over the past weeks, Sarawakians have witnessed renewed discussions surrounding its oil and gas resources. While voices from outside Sarawak continue to speak of “national unity” and “economic stability,” he said, it must be clear — the issue is not about weakening national institutions like Petronas.
“The real issue is justice, legality, and the recognition of Sarawak’s rights that were agreed upon when we formed Malaysia in 1963,” Chieng stressed.
He reiterated that the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016, passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, provides the legal basis for Sarawak to regulate its own gas distribution. It is not a challenge to national unity, it is the rightful exercise of our legislative power.
“We have every constitutional right to manage our own resources. The laws passed by this House must be observed by all corporations, including Petrolium Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), when operating within our State.
“This is not about confrontation, it is about asserting the sovereignty granted to Sarawak under the Federal Constitution and MA63,” said Chieng.
He expressed approval for the agreement that Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had reached including recognition of Sarawak laws, recognition of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak and increased equity for Sarawak in LNG commercial arrangements.
“I call on all Honourable Members here, regardless of political affiliation to stand united. Let us speak with one voice. Let us reject any narrative that frames Sarawak’s rightful assertion of its constitutional powers as ‘confrontational’. It is not. It is our duty,” said Chieng. — DayakDaily
