SARIKEI: Sarawak will continue to assert its legal rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in a bid to boost state revenue and ensure fair development for its people.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated the state government’s firm stance in managing its oil and gas resources through legal avenues – not by force, but by understanding and leveraging constitutional provisions.
“We are not making baseless demands. We study our laws. We examine the provisions that give us an advantage.
“It’s about our rights within the law. And this is our way. That’s why I’m firm this time. Because when it comes to the law, there’s a difference – over there (at the federal level), they use the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974.
“But if you compare the PDA with the Federal Constitution, the Constitution is higher than the PDA. And our provisions are enshrined in the Constitution, and the Constitution is based on MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), so don’t worry.
“As long as the law is on our side, we will go ahead and defend our rights,” he said during the launching ceremony of the Batang Rajang Bridge here today.
The Premier also expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s support in recognising Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.
“I thank the prime minister for understanding our position. His agreement to appoint PETROS as the sole aggregator is a clear signal of that support.
“We will continue our efforts to manage things fairly. That means we are not trying to kill off Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS). We will cooperate with Petronas.
“PETROS and Petronas – both start with ‘P’. It will be a cooperation that benefits both Sarawak and Malaysia. And if Sarawak prospers, Malaysia prospers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also addressed the naming of the new bridge, which honours his late father-in-law.
“I did not interfere in the naming. Yes, he was my father-in-law, but the proposal came from the elected representative here, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and supported by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“I must declare my interest: I did not influence the decision,” he clarified.
