BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Sarawak is merely implementing the laws and rights already enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution, and not taking advantage of political instability at the federal level, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s actions in asserting its rights, including on petroleum-related matters, are based strictly on existing laws and agreed legal frameworks, not political manoeuvring.
“There are a lot of perceptions, particularly from some quarters, saying that because of political problems at the federal level, Sarawak has an opportunity. It is not,” he said during the session titled ‘The 2026 Sarawak Budget Aspiration: Empowering Future of Sarawak’ in conjunction with 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference held here today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s position has been consistent regardless of who leads the federal government, noting that the state has supported successive prime ministers over the years.
“For the past three prime ministers, we just support. Any prime minister, we can give support. That is Sarawak’s position,” he said.
Touching on issues such as the PETRONAS-PETROS relationship, he said the matter was often misunderstood and should not be politicised.
“When we talk about the PETRONAS-PETROS issue, it is nothing. It is just what is written in the law and what is our rights, that’s all. We have to work for both sides,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that MA63 is a binding agreement involving the federal government of Malaysia, the British Government and the governments of Sabah and Sarawak, adding that its provisions are supported by internationally recognised documentation.
He added that these rights must be executed as provided for by law, leaving no room for controversy.
“There is no controversy on that part because everything is there. I am not talking from the air – I am bringing the law,” he said.
Abang Johari added that under the Federal Constitution, matters relating to land and mining fall under the State List, which requires consent from the state government.
“That is what is stated in the Constitution. You have to seek permission from the state. This is the law,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak is not asserting absolute control but is simply ensuring compliance with existing legal provisions.
“I do not want people to say the PDA is absolute. It is not absolute. I am just implementing the law. When Sarawak keeps asking, it is not about money – it is about following the law,” he said
