By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 7: The Federal and Sarawak governments have reached a solution regarding rights and power in managing and using land on the continental shelf in Sarawak in line with the provision under Federal Constitution.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the matter was discussed at the first meeting of the National Energy Council chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya recently.
During the meeting, it was decided that land is a matter under the legal and executive powers of the State which cannot be interfered with.
“It is true that the continental shelf extends up to 200 nautical miles, but what is below it cannot negate the jurisdiction of the State that already exists.
“It cannot be changed. It must be respected.
“We read the last sentence which states that the rights within State borders cannot be touched. Thus, we have reached a consensus on that matter,” he said when speaking at a tea ceremony organised by Office of Premier of Sarawak (OPS) held in conjunction with Abang Johari’s 74h birthday celebration at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Monday (Aug 5).
Abang Johari also expressed his confidence that Sarawak has a bright future and hopes that young leaders can continue to advance the country.
Also present were Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
