PBB Youth slams narrow reading of MA63, urges federal respect for Sarawak’s O&G laws

KUCHING (Jan 28): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth has expressed concern over what it called a ‘narrow’ interpretation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, particularly regarding Sarawak’s oil and gas (O&G) rights.

In a statement, PBB Youth said reducing MA63 to a literal reading ignores its context, purpose, and constitutional significance as the founding agreement that brought Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore, and Malaya together as equal partners in the Federation.

The youth wing emphasised that the absence of explicit provisions on O&G in MA63 does not negate Sarawak’s existing laws or constitutional framework governing land and natural resources.

“The Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, enacted before Malaysia’s formation, remains in force and regulates O&G activities in the state, enjoying constitutional protection.

“Dismissing MA63 through a narrow lens risks undermining the spirit of the agreement and distorting the balance of federal-state relations,” it said.

The wing raised questions about whether the federal government had formally endorsed Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) legal challenge against Sarawak, and why Petronas pursued action despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recognising Sarawak’s rights and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the state’s gas aggregator.

It also sought assurances from Putrajaya that future disputes over Sarawak’s O&G rights would prioritise engagement and consultation over court action.

Azalina had reportedly said the MA63 does not govern O&G resources but remains a foundational document outlining the terms of Malaysia’s formation, including specific rights and autonomy for Sarawak and Sabah.