KUCHING: The Women’s Wing of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has expressed full support for the Sarawak government’s petition before the Federal Court seeking judicial determination on the constitutional validity and continued applicability of three federal petroleum laws in relation to the state.
The petition concerns the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966, and how they apply to Sarawak.
In a statement, the PRS Women’s Wing said the matter goes beyond statutory interpretation or administrative jurisdiction, describing it as a defining constitutional issue linked to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
It said the central question is whether sovereign rights over petroleum resources vested in Sarawak at the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963, including resources beneath its territorial waters and continental shelf, could later be centralised through federal legislation enacted after the formation of the Federation.
“For decades, petroleum discussions centred on revenue sharing and royalties. While important, fiscal arrangements do not resolve the constitutional question of ownership.”
The wing stressed that Malaysia was founded as a partnership of equals under MA63, with Sarawak joining as a founding partner with authority over immigration, land, natural resources and fiscal matters.
It noted that MA63 remains a foundational compact that shapes the Federation’s constitutional framework.
The statement also raised the question of whether the Petroleum Development Act 1974 harmonised national interests or altered the federal balance agreed upon in 1963 without corresponding constitutional adjustments.
“Under the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, land and natural resources fall within state jurisdiction, and petroleum resources are closely linked to those domains.”
The PRS Women’s Wing emphasised that the state’s action should not be viewed as confrontational, but rather as a lawful effort to seek judicial clarity.
“A definitive determination will strengthen institutional certainty, enhance investor confidence within the oil and gas sector and clarify regulatory authority affecting national economic interests.”
The wing added that the case has broader implications beyond petroleum, as it touches on the interpretation of MA63 within the Federal Constitution and the nature of Malaysian federalism.
It said the Sarawak government’s move represents a responsible and principled assertion of constitutional rights, aimed at clarifying whether petroleum sovereignty was lawfully transferred or assumed under subsequent legislation.
The PRS Women’s Wing also called on all parties to respect the judicial process and continue constructive dialogue toward a fair and sustainable resolution that strengthens national unity and shared prosperity.
The Federal Court is expected to determine the constitutional questions raised in the petition in due course.
