Minister: Federal govt respects Sarawak’s court petition on petroleum laws

KUCHING (Feb 24): The federal government respects the move by the Sarawak government to file a petition in the Federal Court seeking a determination on the constitutional validity and continued applicability of several federal petroleum laws to the state, said Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) said the federal government will allow the court to determine the matter based on due process and existing facts.

“We respect the petition made by the state of Sarawak. It is for the court to decide. I do not wish to comment further, but we respect the process,” Mustapha told reporters after attending an engagement session with heads of federal government departments and agencies at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar here on Tuesday.

He reiterated that the federal government remains committed to constructive engagement with Sabah and Sarawak, including respecting the state’s legal recourse on petroleum-related matters while continuing discussions through established platforms.

On Monday, Sharifah Hasidah was cited as saying the petition was filed in the Federal Court to determine the constitutional validity and continued applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974, Continental Shelf Act 1966, and Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to Sarawak.

She said the federal laws adversely affect and deprive Sarawak of its rights to natural resources, including oil and gas, found in the seabed of the continental shelf within the boundaries as extended and defined by the Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order in Council 1954 and Sarawak (Definition of Boundaries) Order in Council 1958.

She added the Sarawak government remains committed to continuing constructive discussions with the federal government to reach an amicable resolution that would strengthen national unity, promote the sustainable use of oil and gas resources, and enable Sarawak to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s prosperity and economic growth.

Related story: Sarawak files Federal Court petition over applicability of federal petroleum laws