By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 9: A total of 33 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) today united to honour the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, fondly known as Tok Nan, and to reaffirm his vision that Sarawak’s oil and gas resources rightfully belong to its people.
The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI) chairman Datuk John Tenewi Nuek said the gathering echoed one of three resolutions passed during the “Future Economy of Sarawak Forum” organised by TSI on Sept 27.
At the forum, participants unanimously passed three resolutions urging both the federal and Sarawak governments to take decisive action — first, that all natural resources including oil and gas within Sarawak’s territory rightfully belong to the people of Sarawak; second, that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) be reintroduced on a non-partisan basis in the national interest; and third, that Sarawak be granted full autonomy over education.
“Today, we stand here to reaffirm and focus on the First Resolution–the one that defines our sovereignty, our dignity and our destiny over our natural wealth including petroleum, oil and gas,” he said during a press conference held at Borneo Cultures Museum here today.
Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) representative Yusuf Abdul Rahman, in his address, highlighted that Sarawak has long had its own constitutional and legal framework governing oil and gas resources, namely the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016.
These laws, he said, clearly affirm the Sarawak government’s inalienable rights to own, regulate and manage natural resources within its territory.
“We assert, with equal clarity, that Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and all other corporations operating within Sarawak must comply with Sarawak laws, which are not subservient to federal legislation in matters within the State’s jurisdiction. Our laws stand on equal constitutional footing, as guaranteed by the foundations of our nationhood and our constitutional supremacy.
“You do not operate here by federal fiat. You operate only at the will of the Sarawak government, under Sarawak laws and with the express understanding that your presence serves with accountability to the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS) activist Peter John Jaban asserted that after decades of contributing billions in oil and gas revenue to the federal coffers with little return, it is high time to “turn off the tap” and reclaim Sarawak’s rightful control over its natural wealth.
Citing that Sarawak holds 60 per cent of Malaysia’s oil reserves and produces over 90 per cent of its natural gas exports, he called for greater transparency in petroleum dealings and an end to opaque arrangements that have long benefited a few at the expense of ordinary Sarawakians.
“We are no longer mere spectators in our own land but the rightful landlords and the final decision-makers.
“Corporations that come to our soil must obey our laws, respect our customs, and honour our consent. This is not a plea—it is a declaration,” he asserted.
On the other hand, TSI advisor Prof James Chin who spoke virtually via Zoom, cautioned that Sarawak’s aspirations for full control over its oil and gas resources will remain unfulfilled without real political power at the federal level.
“Sarawak and Sabah together must get 35 per cent of parliamentary seats in the Dewan Rakyat. That is not a wish; it’s a constitutional imperative, a rebalancing of the federation we were promised.
“With that bloc, we can negotiate properly. We can ask to be treated properly and fairly,” he emphasised.
The following 33 NGOs participated in the press conference:
1. The Sarawak Initiatives
2. Sarawak Association For People’s Aspiration (SAPA)
3. NGO Per Kebudayaan & Tradisi Masyarakat di Sarawak
4. Sarawak for Sarawakian (S4S)
5. 722 Movement
6. Bulang Birieh Dayak
7. Dayak Bukit Kelingkang
8. Bala Dayak Sarawak
9. Dayak Gunong Serumpun
10. Global Human Right Federations (GHRF)
11. Gerempung Kesenian Raban Dayak Sarawak (GKRDS)
12. Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS)
13. Dayak National Congress (DNC)
14. Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA)
15. Society for Kuching Urban Poor
16. Sarawak CSO SDG Alliance
17. Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (SCRIPS)
18. Women Empowerment and Sustainability Network Association (WESNA)
19. Kumpulan Wanita Orang Ulu National Association (KWOUNA)
20. Dayak Bidayuh Literary Society
21. Persatuan Warisan Wanita Melayu Kuching
22. Kuching Indian Association
23. Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA)
24. Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA)
25. Sarawak Women For Women Society (SWWS)
26. Pertiwi Progresif
27. Malaysian Rangers Military Veterans Association
28. The Advocates Association Sarawak
29. Sarawak Dayak Doctorate Degree Holders Association
30. Persatuan Salako Rara
31. Persatuan Kebajikan Masyarakat Asal Engkilili, Lubok Antu dan Skrang (PELASAR)
32. Kuching City First Choir Association (KCFCA)
33. Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG)
— DayakDaily
