KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has voiced support for the Sarawak Government’s decision to file a petition in the Federal Court seeking constitutional clarification on the applicability of three federal petroleum laws in the state.
The petition concerns the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 as they relate to Sarawak.
At the centre of the case is the issue of constitutional rights and legislative authority over petroleum resources within Sarawak’s boundaries.
Wee said the state maintains that under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), certain rights over petroleum resources were vested in Sarawak on Malaysia Day.
The petition seeks judicial clarity on how subsequent federal laws interact with those preserved rights.
He described the move as a lawful and principled step, emphasising that differences in constitutional interpretation should be resolved through proper judicial channels.
“When interpretations differ, the proper course is to seek the wisdom of the court,” he said in a statement.
Wee stressed that the Constitution defines boundaries, powers and responsibilities within the Federation, and that seeking clarification reflects confidence in the rule of law rather than confrontation.
“As Mayor of Kuching South, I stand firmly behind the Sarawak Government in choosing this lawful and principled path,” he said.
He added that clarity in the legal framework governing oil and gas is crucial for Sarawak’s long-term economic stability.
“The energy sector underpins investment, employment, infrastructure and public services.
“When the rules are clear, businesses can plan with certainty and communities can prosper with confidence,” he said.
Wee also underscored that the state’s position is not about challenging the Federation but about ensuring that the constitutional foundations agreed upon in 1963 continue to be respected.
“Equal partnership must be grounded in mutual recognition of rights and responsibilities,” he said.
At the same time, he welcomed continued dialogue between the Sarawak and Federal Governments, noting that recourse to the Constitution and constructive engagement can proceed at the same time.
“Sarawak is an equal partner in Malaysia. Respecting constitutional safeguards strengthens the Federation rather than weakens it,” he said.
He called on Sarawakians to remain united and to support the state government’s efforts to safeguard Sarawak’s rights through lawful and institutional means.
The Federal Court is expected to determine the constitutional questions raised in the petition in due course.
