KUCHING: The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth wing has backed the Sarawak Government’s petition in the Federal Court seeking a ruling on the constitutional validity and continued applicability of key federal petroleum laws in the state.
In a statement issued today, PBB Youth said the move was necessary to secure judicial clarity on fundamental constitutional questions affecting Sarawak’s rights over its natural resources, with implications for both present and future generations of Sarawakians.
The wing stressed that Sarawak has consistently maintained that the management and regulation of its natural resources must align with the constitutional arrangements established during the formation of Malaysia, specifically the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the protections enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“We fully support this step to obtain judicial clarity. It must be clearly understood that Sarawak’s stance is neither arbitrary nor emotional; the arguments presented are firm, legally grounded, and rooted deeply in the constitutional framework that forms the Federation,” it said.
Addressing narratives emerging from West Malaysia that suggest Sarawak is acting solely out of self-interest, PBB Youth countered that the petition proves the state is committed to the rule of law by seeking a definitive determination through the proper legal channels.
It asserted that defending constitutional rights should not be misinterpreted, declaring that Sarawak will not waver in protecting what is legally its own.
Despite the legal action, PBB Youth acknowledged the Sarawak Government’s ongoing commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, noting that seeking clarity through the courts does not negate the importance of continued dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect within the Malaysian federation.
Previously, the Sarawak government has filed a petition in the Federal Court seeking a ruling on the constitutional validity and continued applicability of several federal petroleum laws to the state.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the petition was filed yesterday (Feb 23) to determine the constitutional validity and continued applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to Sarawak.
