By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 13: Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) must continue to be respected and advanced amid Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (PETRONAS) move to seek clarification from the Federal Court on the regulatory framework governing its operations in the State, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
In a statement today, Yap said he took note of PETRONAS’ decision to refer the matter to the Federal Court, acknowledging that overlapping laws and historical arrangements have contributed to legal uncertainty in the petroleum sector.
“As a Sarawak state assemblyman, I firmly uphold the rights and interests of the people of Sarawak, as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.
Yap noted that while legal uncertainty exists, Sarawak’s development aspirations and institutional role in the energy sector must not be sidelined.
“It is equally important to emphasise that Sarawak’s development aspirations, the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), and the State’s rights under MA63 must continue to be respected and advanced. Legal clarity will strengthen Sarawak’s position in future negotiations and partnerships,” he said.
He stressed that the court process should be allowed to run its course without unnecessary political posturing that could unsettle the public.
“I therefore call on all parties to respect the judicial process and allow the Federal Court to provide authoritative constitutional guidance,” he said.
At the same time, Yap urged stakeholders to refrain from politicising the issue or engaging in public confrontation.
“Avoid unnecessary politicisation or public confrontation that may create anxiety among the rakyat,” he said, adding that constructive engagement should continue in parallel.
According to Yap, such engagement should be guided by a shared objective of safeguarding Sarawak’s prosperity while ensuring Malaysia’s overall economic stability.
“The people of Sarawak deserve certainty, fairness, and dignity in how our resources are governed,” he said.
He added that a clear and authoritative legal framework, grounded in the Federal Constitution and the spirit of MA63, would ultimately benefit not only Sarawak but the Federation as a whole.
“A clear legal framework, grounded in the Constitution and the spirit of MA63, will ultimately benefit Sarawak and the Federation of Malaysia as a whole,” he said. — DayakDaily
