by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 4: The Youth Wing of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) expressed strong disappointment over recent remarks by the Armada Bersatu Malaysia (ARMADA), which it claims disregards Sarawak’s legal authority and ownership over its oil and gas resources.
This comes in response to ARMADA’s statement regarding the Sarawak government’s notice to PETRONAS concerning the operation of the Miri Crude Oil Terminal (MCOT).
“ARMADA’s view citing the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 as the only major law that gives PETRONAS absolute authority in the management and distribution of oil and gas in Sarawak is incorrect.
“This is because Sarawak has never repealed the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, which is a State law that remains in force to this day to regulate the oil and gas sector
“Any party wishing to operate in Sarawak must comply with State laws, including the OMO and the Gas Distribution Ordinance (DGO) 2016,” it stressed.
Referring to the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, PBB Youth emphasised that the power to issue mining licenses and certificates is subject to the State government through Article 2(c) in the State List (List II).
“In other words, any mining activity must obtain approval from the Sarawak government,” it pointed out.
“Do not assume that the laws of the State of Sarawak do not exist and are being trampled on,” it added.
It therefore urged all parties including ARMADA to be more sensitive and refer to Sarawak’s laws before making any statements regarding oil and gas and the Sarawak government’s claims.
“We also urge that the laws of this State are also respected by all parties, just as some parties have urged that Sarawak respect federal laws,” it added.
“Our hope is that both parties, PETROS and PETRONAS, can continue to cooperate based on the regulations and laws that exist at the federal and state levels for the development of the oil and gas sector in Sarawak.” – DayakDaily
