KUCHING: The Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) has come under fire for failing to champion Sarawak’s oil and gas rights within Parliament, instead opting to launch a political offensive against the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.
According to the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Central Publicity Secretariat, in a statement today, Sarawak DAP MPs should have used their positions in Parliament to push for Sarawak’s interests when confronted with unfavourable developments.
However, rather than pressing ministers for clarity and advocating within the federal government, they swiftly returned to Sarawak to hold a high-profile press conference, seemingly more focused on political gains than substantive action.
The controversy stems from a written ministerial response by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, regarding Sarawak’s oil and gas rights. Instead of seeking further clarification in Parliament, Sarawak DAP accused the state government of surrendering its rights in negotiations with Putrajaya.
“If they were truly dissatisfied with the minister’s response, why did they not question her further in Parliament? Why did they not demand a clearer explanation on the floor of the House?” SUPP questioned in a statement. “Instead, they rushed back to Sarawak, held a press conference, and used the issue as political ammunition against GPS.”
With Parliament still in session, GPS MPs have pledged to seek further clarification from federal ministers in the coming sittings to ensure Sarawak’s rights are not eroded.
SUPP has also challenged Sarawak DAP’s effectiveness in fighting for Sarawak’s oil and gas interests at the federal level. Despite holding 40 seats in the government bloc, DAP has not made any significant legislative push to increase Sarawak’s share of petroleum revenues or assert greater autonomy over the state’s resources.
“What exactly has DAP done—either in 2018 when they were part of the federal government or now, as a key coalition partner—to secure Sarawak’s rightful share of oil and gas?” SUPP asked.
The party further questioned whether DAP MPs had:
- Proposed concrete policies in Cabinet to increase Sarawak’s oil and gas revenue share.
- Advocated for legislative reforms to strengthen Sarawak’s autonomy over resource management.
- Pressured the Finance Ministry or PETRONAS for a fairer distribution of resources.
These concerns, according to SUPP, remain unanswered by Sarawak DAP.
The Sarawak government has maintained a firm stance on oil and gas matters, insisting that the Petroleum Development Act 1974 must coexist with the state’s Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 to safeguard Sarawak’s interests.
Through sustained negotiations and legal action, GPS successfully compelled PETRONAS to recognise Sarawak’s right to impose a sales tax on petroleum products—securing additional revenue for the state. These efforts, SUPP asserts, stand in stark contrast to DAP’s political posturing.
“Instead of contributing to Sarawak’s progress, Sarawak DAP consistently undermines our efforts while failing to use their federal influence to make meaningful changes,” SUPP stated.
SUPP also highlighted the inconsistency in Sarawak DAP’s stance. In 2018, when Pakatan Harapan (PH) held federal power, they failed to deliver on their election promises regarding oil and gas rights. Now in government again, DAP has yet to take meaningful action, instead resorting to public criticism of GPS.
“This double standard exposes their political agenda, Sarawak DAP’s failure to fight for Sarawak’s rights in Parliament is a betrayal of the people’s trust,” SUPP remarked.
SUPP also urged DAP to stop politicising the issue and to take real action in Parliament.
“If Sarawak DAP MPs cannot explain what they have done at the federal level to advance Sarawak’s interests, then their accusations are meaningless,” the party said.
As Sarawak continues to assert its rights over its natural resources, GPS has reaffirmed its commitment to a ‘Sarawak First’ policy, ensuring the state’s interests are never compromised. Meanwhile, the people of Sarawak are left questioning whether DAP is truly fighting for them—or merely playing politics.
