SIBU: The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth leader has voiced concern over recent remarks by Miri Member of Parliament (MP), Chiew Choon Man, on the distribution of oil and gas revenues and Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
SUPP Youth Chief, Kevin Lau Kor Jie, said while open debate is welcome, the MP’s statements might shift focus away from Sarawak’s ongoing struggle for autonomy and a fair share of resources.
“What Sarawakians expect from their representatives in Parliament is clarity, courage and consistency in championing our rights, not the stirring of waters with selective narratives.
“Sarawak’s fight under MA63 is not a seasonal slogan. It is a fundamental constitutional struggle that must be pursued with unwavering resolve. Any attempt to blur the facts only weakens our position,” he said in a media statement.
Lau summarised several areas where he felt the MP’s arguments fell short of Sarawak’s interests, but stressed that the larger issue is ensuring consistency in defending Sarawak’s position.
“Sarawakians deserve more than reminders to ‘be factual’ or reassurances that the federal government is spending money here.
“We need leadership that pushes for structural change, legal amendments, greater revenue retention, and stronger state authority. Anything less is just rhetoric,” he said.
He added that the struggle is about restoring what was agreed upon when Malaysia was formed.
“Our late Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, started this journey with firmness and dignity.
“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has continued it by setting up PETROS, asserting regulatory rights, and pressing for increased oil and gas revenues.
“This is the consistent line that all Sarawak MPs should unite behind,” he added.
While acknowledging the federal government’s recent spending commitments in Sarawak, including the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road Phase 2, airport upgrades and healthcare facilities, Lau stressed that these should not be seen as substitutes for Sarawak’s share of oil and gas revenues.
“We welcome development projects, as they are part of the federal government’s responsibilities to its states.
“However, they should complement rather than replace the royalties due to Sarawak,” Lau said.
He also urged the Miri MP, who is from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), to align with Sarawak’s bipartisan demand for a higher share of royalties and greater state authority over resources, stressing that such unity is vital for the future of Sarawak’s younger generation.
“This is about Sarawak. We cannot afford mixed signals. This is especially crucial when we have on-going discussions at all tiers under MA63 committees which require full backing by all Sarawakians. Consistency is crucial,” he said.
