KUCHING: The Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) is deemed “flawed” by political analyst, Datuk Peter Minos.
He argues that the act bypassed Sarawak’s State Assembly, violating constitutional requirements and undermining Sarawak’s control over its resources.
“Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO58), reinforced by Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), grants Sarawak absolute control over its oil and gas,” he stressed.
Minos quoted renowned English judge, Lord Denning, who stated that rights, once given, cannot be taken away.
He reiterated that Sarawak’s rights to its land and resources have been constitutionally protected under the Sarawak Land Code of 1957.
“It is on par with OMO58, which gives us absolute rights to our oil and gas found in Sarawak’s soil and its continental shelf,” he added.
The PDA74, he argued, cannot override Sarawak’s long-standing rights to its oil and gas resources under OMO58.
Minos also extended his best wishes to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in defending Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.