MA63: Putrajaya must clarify Petronas’ legal action against Sarawak, says Puncak Borneo MP

KUCHING (Jan 21): The federal government must clarify its position on Petronas’ latest legal action against Sarawak, as the move has sparked serious concern among Sarawakians and risks undermining the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin.

Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat, Willie said the matter warranted a clear explanation from both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.

“As a Malaysian and as a son of Sarawak, I want to state clearly that the people of Sarawak are very sensitive and alert to this issue,” he said, noting that Petronas’ actions appeared inconsistent with the principles of the MA63 and the status of Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners in Malaysia.

On Jan 12, Petronas filed a motion at the Federal Court in Putrajaya seeking clarity on the regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak.

The respondents in the case are the federal government and the Sarawak government.

Willie questioned whether Petronas was acting arrogantly, noting that the company seemed to have overlooked the federal government’s role as its main shareholder while dragging both the federal and Sarawak governments to court.

He highlighted that the legal action comes despite a joint declaration signed on May 21, 2025, by the Prime Minister and Sarawak Premier, committing both sides to resolve petroleum and gas-related issues through negotiations, mutual understanding, and in the spirit of MA63.

As such, he sought to know the federal government’s actual stance on Petronas’ move, noting that commercial negotiations were still ongoing and had yet to be finalised.

“Firstly, what is the federal government’s true position on this action by Petronas, when negotiations are still ongoing?” he asked.

He also sought clarification on whether the legal action had been taken with the consent, instruction or approval of the federal government or the Prime Minister.

“If not, what steps will the government take to ensure that the actions of a government-linked company do not contradict the highest political commitments of the country?” he said.

Willie further pressed the government for assurances that Sarawak’s rights, as enshrined in MA63 and the joint declaration, would continue to be respected and not sidelined through legal actions that could erode trust between the federal and state governments.

He stressed that Sarawak was not rejecting negotiations, cooperation or national interests, but was demanding respect, fairness and sincerity in line with what was agreed under MA63.

“Therefore, I urge the federal government to take a clear and courageous stand in this august House so that the people of Sarawak are not left in confusion and disappointment, and so that federalism and national unity can continue to be upheld and preserved,” he said.