Defend state rights, back Petros as sole gas aggregator, MPs urged

SIBU (Jan 14): All members of Parliament (MPs) from Sarawak, particularly those from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as a major component of the current federal government, must stand firm in defending Sarawak’s rights.

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Kevin Lau called on them to urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to fully recognise Sarawak’s authority and the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the sole gas aggregator in the state.

“SUPP Youth firmly supports the Sarawak government’s position in safeguarding our rights and strengthening the role of Petros as Sarawak’s oil and gas company.

“Any long-term solution must respect Sarawak’s autonomy, uphold the spirit and provisions of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), and recognise Sarawak as an equal partner in the Federation of Malaysia,” he said in a statement.

Lau was commenting on Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) recent announcement that it had applied to the Federal Court for clarification on the regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak.

He said the move could be perceived as a disguised challenge to Sarawak’s laws and state authority.

While Petronas has maintained that the application is not intended to undermine Sarawak’s development aspirations of the role of Petros, Lau stressed that Sarawak’s rights over its natural resources are clearly enshrined under MA63 and the Federal Constitution.

“Although this move is framed as a request for legal clarification, and considering that related matters are already before the High Court, Petronas’ latest action reflects an unwillingness to fully acknowledge and comply with Sarawak’s constitutional and legal position in regulating its own resources, including recognising Petros as the sole LNG (liquefied natural gas) aggregator in Sarawak,” he said.

Lau reiterated that Sarawak is not opposed to cooperation with Petronas.

“Sarawak has consistently demonstrated its willingness to work together through commercial arrangements, joint ventures and transitional frameworks.

“However, such cooperation must be based on recognition of Sarawak’s regulatory authority and not come at the expense of our constitutional rights,” he said.

He added that Petronas is a statutory body established under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, with its authority ultimately vested in the prime minister under Section 3(2) of the Act.

“Therefore, this matter can be resolved if Petronas accepts Sarawak’s regulatory authority and recognises Petros as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak,” Lau said.