By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 20:The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan Branch has voiced full support for the Sarawak government’s move to file its own petition in the Federal Court concerning the regulatory framework of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), calling it a “necessary and courageous step” to defend the State’s constitutional authority.
SUPP Stakan Branch chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok said the government’s action reflects the strong sentiment of the people.
“The people of Sarawak are watching this case with great intensity. Our resources and our laws are not mere points of debate; they are the heritage of every Sarawakian.
“SUPP Stakan stands firmly behind the Sarawak government because we believe Sarawak must use every legal and constitutional avenue available to safeguard our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said in a statement today.
Sim highlighted the seriousness of the challenge posed by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) against the legislative authority of the Sarawak legislature.
“The laws being challenged, including the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016, are the pillars of our economic autonomy. By filing a cross-petition, the Sarawak government is ensuring that the Federal Court hears a balanced argument that respects Sarawak’s special status and our right to regulate our own land and resources,” he said.
Reiterating SUPP Stakan’s commitment to the “Sarawak First” struggle, Sim urged unity among Sarawakians.
“We call upon all Sarawakians to remain united in support of the state government as it navigates this critical legal battle to protect the interests of current and future generations,” he said.
The legal dispute arises after PETRONAS filed a legal reference on Jan 10, seeking clarity on the petroleum operational framework under Article 4(4) of the Federal Constitution.
Sarawak responded by 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.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, noted that Sarawak is prepared to submit its petition so that both matters can be heard together by the Federal Court. — DayakDaily
