KUCHING: The move by the Sarawak government to seek legal clarity on the constitutional validity and continued applicability of three petroleum-related federal laws to Sarawak has been described as a bold step in defending Sarawak’s rights over its oil and gas resources.
Sarawak on Monday filed a petition to the Federal Court to determine the constitutional validity and continued applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974), the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to the state.
Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament, Willie Mongin, said the action taken by the Sarawak government reflected firmness, strong political will and an unwavering commitment to safeguard the state’s sovereignty.
He said Sarawak had created history with a principled move to seek the validity and applicability of the three federal laws in the context of Sarawak’s constitutional rights.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Sarawak’s journey to reclaim and defend its rights. The Sarawak government has taken a bold and principled step to ensure that our constitutional position and legal standing over oil and gas resources are properly recognised,” he said.
The three laws in question have long been central to the governance and control of Malaysia’s petroleum resources, but had adversely affected and deprived Sarawak of its rights to natural resources, including oil and gas found in the seabed of the continental shelf within the boundaries as extended and defined by the Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order in Council 1954 and the Sarawak (Definition of Boundaries) Order in Council 1958.
Willie said the move was not about confrontation but about clarity and justice, stressing that Sarawak was merely asserting its rights within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This effort demonstrates the great spirit and high commitment of the GPS leadership in defending Sarawak’s sovereignty. Our leaders are not acting out of emotion but based on law, facts and the interests of the people of Sarawak,” he added.
He noted that the state’s consistent stand on oil and gas matters showed maturity and strategic thinking, aimed at ensuring fair revenue distribution and greater autonomy in resource management.
According to him, safeguarding Sarawak’s oil and gas rights is crucial for the state’s long-term economic sustainability, development planning and welfare of its people.
Willie expressed confidence that the move would strengthen Sarawak’s position in negotiations with the Federal government and pave the way for a more balanced federal-state relationship, in line with the spirit of MA63.
