By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 24: Calling it a constitutional action rather than political rhetoric, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap backs Sarawak’s bid for judicial clarity on federal petroleum laws.
In a statement, he said the petition seeks judicial clarity on the application of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974), Continental Shelf Act 1966 (CSA 1966) and Petroleum Mining Act 1966 (PMA 1966) to Sarawak, particularly in light of Sarawak’s constitutional position under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.
“By bringing this matter before the Federal Court, the Sarawak government is asserting our constitutional rights in a lawful, mature and responsible manner,” he said, describing the move as bold, principled, and constitutionally grounded.
Yap noted that Sarawak’s boundaries and sovereign rights over its natural resources, including petroleum within its territorial limits, were established before Malaysia Day and preserved under MA63.
“This action reflects courage and conviction and shows that the Sarawak government is prepared to defend the State’s legitimate rights through proper legal channels while maintaining respect for the Federal constitutional framework,” he said.
As a GPS backbencher, he underscored that this move strengthens, rather than weakens, national unity.
“A strong federation is built upon mutual respect and constitutional fidelity. When constitutional questions arise, the proper forum is the court and not political rhetoric,” he added.
He also stated that this legal step is ultimately about intergenerational justice.
“Our natural resources belong to the people of Sarawak. Ensuring that our constitutional position is properly defined today protects the prosperity and development opportunities of future generations,” he said.
Yap urged all Sarawakians to remain united in backing the Sarawak government in defending the State’s sovereignty, resources and future prosperity. — DayakDaily
