By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 19: Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed hope that all of Sarawak’s claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) can be resolved immediately, while emphasising that the constitutional rights of the State must be fully respected following the appointment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.
“I am thankful that the Federal government and the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) have agreed to the Sarawak government’s decision to appoint PETROS as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak, made under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016, whereby the Sarawak Government has executive and legislative power to make laws on electricity and gas distribution,” he said in his address at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today.
He added that this is in line with the recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962, implemented through the Borneo States (Legislative Power) Order, 1963 made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.
“This constitutional right must be respected to enable PETROS to carry out its role as a gas aggregator to ensure that the development of the gas industry in Sarawak continues to contribute to the nation’s and the State’s economy,” he stressed.
The Head of State also expressed confidence that the collaboration between PETROS and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) can be finalised soon, saying it will bring great benefits to the development of the oil and gas industry value chain in Sarawak for the shared prosperity of both Sarawak and Malaysia.
On federal-state relations, he noted that the relationship between the Sarawak government and the Federal government is very close, with many matters resolved, especially those involving the rights and interests of Sarawak.
“I believe this strong relationship will ensure Sarawak receives all the entitlements enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, the Federal Constitution, and the Sarawak Constitution,” he said.
He also called on the Federal government to fulfil its responsibilities in supporting Sarawak’s economic, social, and security development, and praised the sincerity and commitment of the Prime Minister through the Malaysia MADANI principles, which he said would positively impact efforts to nurture the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ towards inclusive development in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
