KUCHING, Sept 16: Sarawak has enough legal grounds to uncouple itself from the Federation of Malaysia.
In a statement, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan said there is sufficient proof of oppression as depicted in the State’s loss of wealth through lack of say over its oil and gas (O&G) resources, and lack of basic infrastructure.
“Since Malaysia was formed, Sarawak had annually lost more than RM100 billion in terms of wealth and revenue to the federal government and to Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Berhad) with a return of about RM4 billion only as her annual development fund.
“In rural areas, there are many areas with no treated water, electricity and roads,” he said, claiming that there are also many dilapidated schools left unattended to in rural areas.
Emphasising that all these are good grounds under international law for Sarawak to seek exit from the federation, Voon voiced disagreement with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing who in an earlier statement said seeking independence for Sarawak might be “easier said than done”.
Masing explained that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would not grant secession if there is lack of proof to show oppression by the federal government.
Masing also stated he was told that there is no provision in the Federal Constitution to allow Sarawak and Sabah to secede from the Federation of Malaysia, despite the constant bickering between the two Borneo States with Peninsular Malaysia.
In response, Voon asserted that there is nothing the federal government could do to stop Sarawak and Sabah from exiting the federation if things are not done right by the federal government.
“When a ‘marriage’ fails or could no more be patched up, there is nothing (no reason) a court will not allow the divorce.
“Parti Bumi Kenyalang will pursue Sarawak independence by peaceful and legal means and this is the party’s line of campaign at the moment,” he added. — DayakDaily
