By Yvonne T
KUCHING, Dec 17: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is merely following the law as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and it is not taking advantage of the current political instability of the Federal government.
Addressing perceptions that Sarawak is leveraging the current political climate, Abang Johari said the State has remained supportive of successive federal administrations.
“There are a lot of perceptions that Sarawak is taking advantage of the political instability in Federal level but that’s not true. We have been supportive for the past three prime ministers,” he said during the ‘A Moment with Premier of Sarawak’ dialogue session held in conjunction with the 2026 Sarawak Budget today.
Regarding the ongoing Petronas-PETROS issue, he pointed out Sarawak’s position is firmly grounded in existing legal frameworks governing land use and occupation.
“Bukan Sarawak minta minta saja (Not that Sarawak is just asking for it), we are following the law.”
He added, “There is no controversy here. It is in the law. I am not pulling things out of the air.”
He explained that while the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) governs petroleum resources, Section 14 covers land matters which states that it remains under State jurisdiction, requiring consent for land use.
“If they want to enter to our land, they have to ask permission. And this is the law, it’s in the constitution,” he highlighted. – DayakDaily
