By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 17: Sarawak will file its own petition in the ongoing Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) regulatory dispute, seeking for it to be heard together with Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (PETRONAS) submission to ensure all legal issues are thoroughly and fairly examined by the Federal Court.
The dispute has now entered the apex court phase following a decision allowing PETRONAS to refer key legal questions for determination.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Legal, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, said the ruling was appropriate given the complexity of the issues involved, particularly those concerning Sarawak’s State laws.
“The court recognises that there are important matters that warrant consideration at a higher level, especially those involving Sarawak laws.
“We accept the decision openly and will await the petition to be filed by PETRONAS within 21 days, which is expected to raise questions regarding several related State laws,” she said when met by reporters at a contribution presentation programme for orphans in conjunction with Hari Raya at the Samariang Service Centre today.
Sharifah Hasidah, who is also the Samariang assemblywoman, added that Sarawak is prepared to submit its own petition so that both matters can be heard together.
“We hope both petitions can be heard jointly to ensure all issues are considered in a fair, balanced and comprehensive manner by the Federal Court,” she said, reiterating the State’s commitment to defending its rights while safeguarding the interests of the people.
As background, PETRONAS filed its legal reference on Jan 10, seeking clarity on the petroleum operational framework under Article 4(4) of the Federal Constitution.
At the same time, Sarawak filed a petition challenging the validity and continued enforcement of three federal laws, namely the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966, and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966.
Sarawak maintains that, under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and related constitutional instruments, sovereignty over petroleum resources within the State’s boundaries was transferred to Sarawak by the British government on Malaysia Day, and not to the federal government.
Accordingly, the State contends that these federal laws have not applied since June 2012 pursuant to Article 150(7) of the Federal Constitution.
Earlier, 30 recipients from the N.7 Samariang constituency received cash assistance and festive cookies as part of preparations for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration, reflecting continued efforts to support those in need and strengthen community solidarity. — DayakDaily
