PBB Youth supports Sarawak’s legal move to defend constitutional resource rights

KUCHING (Feb 24): Seeking judicial clarity should not, and must not, undermine the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect within the Federation, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth.

The movement issued the statement in support of the Sarawak government’s to file a petition at the Federal Court on Monday to determine the constitutional validity and applicability of several federal laws that affecting Sarawak’s rights over its natural resources.

“At the same time, we acknowledge the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal government.

“We fully support this move to seek judicial clarity on fundamental constitutional questions that carry significant implications not only for the present generation, but also for the future of Sarawakians,” PBB Youth said.

The movement emphasised that Sarawak has consistently maintained that the management and regulation of its natural resources must follow the constitutional arrangements upon which Malaysia was formed, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the safeguards embodied in the Federal Constitution.

“It must be clearly understood that Sarawak’s position is neither arbitrary nor emotional.

“Our arguments are firm, legally grounded, and deeply rooted in the constitutional framework that has established the Federation.

“Amid narratives from Peninsular Malaysia suggesting that Sarawak is acting out of self-interest, this petition demonstrates the opposite.

“Sarawak is pursuing the proper legal avenue to state its position and seek authoritative determination from the court.

“Standing up for constitutional rights should not be misconstrued, and Sarawak will not be intimidated in defending what is lawfully ours,” it said.

Separately, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap described the Sarawak government’s move as bold, principled, and constitutionally grounded.

“By bringing this matter before the Federal Court, the Sarawak government is asserting our constitutional rights in a lawful, mature and responsible manner, the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Deputy Treasurer added.

The petition seeks judicial clarity on the application of the Petroleum Development Act 1974, Continental Shelf Act 1966 and Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to Sarawak, particularly in light of Sarawak’s constitutional position under the MA63 and the Federal Constitution.

Yap said the move strengthens national unity, stressing that a strong Federation is founded on mutual respect and adherence to the Constitution.

“Constitutional matters should be resolved through proper legal channels rather than political rhetoric,” he stressed.

He added that the legal action is also matter of intergenerational justice, noting that Sarawak’s natural resources belong to its people.

“Ensuring the state’s constitutional position is clearly defined today.

“It is essential to safeguarding protects the prosperity and development opportunities of future generations,” Yap stressed.

He also called on all Sarawakians to remain united in supporting the Sarawak government in protecting the state’s sovereignty, resources and long-term interests.