Kota Sentosa rep responds to PBK: Federal Court move strengthens — not weakens —S’wak’s hand

Wilfred Yap (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 27: Seeking judicial clarification strengthens Sarawak’s legal standing and demonstrates respect for the rule of law—it does not weaken the State’s bargaining power, but reinforces it, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap.

Responding to remarks by Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), who warned that Sarawak risks permanently losing its claim over oil and gas (O&G) resources if it fails in its legal petition in the Federal Court of Malaysia, Yap said that the move made by the Sarawak government is a responsible and lawful step to clarify Sarawak’s rights.

“Malaysia was formed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), an international treaty registered with the United Nations (UN). The MA63 remains the legal foundation of the federation.

“To suggest it is ‘null and void’ is an extreme position unsupported by any international ruling and risks undermining Sarawak’s own safeguards,” he said in a statement.

Yap added that when constitutional questions arise, the proper forum is the court, and as the MA63 is an international treaty, international legal avenues, including the International Court of Justice, remain available as a last resort, subject to legal processes and State consent.

“However, responsible leadership requires that domestic constitutional remedies be exhausted first.

“GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) has consistently restored Sarawak’s rights through firm negotiation backed by legal strength and not political theatrics.

“Sarawak’s future must be grounded in law and strategy, not fear-driven rhetoric or reckless speculation,” he said. — DayakDaily