Bintulu association backs Sarawak’s judicial bid on safeguarding O&G rights

BINTULU (Feb 26): Persatuan Anaq Vaie Bintulu (PAVB) has expressed full support for the Sarawak government’s move to file a petition at the Federal Court seeking a determination on the constitutional validity and continued enforcement of federal laws affecting the state’s rights over its natural resources.

Its president Pandi Suhaili and the PAVB supreme working committee said they view seriously the state government’s decision to seek judicial clarification on matters relating to the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966, and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966.

He said these federal laws have affected and encroached upon Sarawak’s rights over its natural resources, including oil and gas located on the seabed within boundaries as defined under the Sarawak Orders in Council of 1954 and 1958.

“PAVB and its members, together with the Vaie community in Bintulu and Sarawak as a whole, pledged our unwavering support for Sarawak government’s action to obtain judicial determination on fundamental constitutional questions with significant implications for present and future generations of Sarawakians,” he said in a statement.

Pandi stressed that Sarawak has the right to defend the legitimate interests and rights of the state and its people as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He further maintained that any application by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) does not fall within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Federal Court as provided under the Federal Constitution.

As a sovereign territory bound by the MA63, Pandi said PAVB fully supports the Sarawak government’s decision to object to the national oil company’s application seeking clarity on the regulatory framework governing its operations in the state.

He added the federal laws in question have implications on Sarawak’s pre-Malaysia Day boundaries and the state’s rights over offshore petroleum resources within those boundaries.

“The Vaie community in Bintulu feels compelled to stand firmly behind the Sarawak government’s claim because Bintulu is one of the key oil and gas resource hubs in the state.”

Pandi also commended the Sarawak government’s efforts in asserting the state’s rights over its natural resources, oil and gas, for the continued prosperity and well-being of the people of Sarawak.

He called on all communities in Sarawak to remain united in standing firmly with the state government on the matter.