PBK dares GPS MPs to table motion in Parliament on Sarawak O&G rights

SIBU (Jan 31): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has issued a public challenge to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs to table the proposed Motion on restoring Sarawak’s oil and gas rights in Parliament — or explain to Sarawakians why they refuse.

Its president, Voon Lee Shan, said if GPS MPs truly defend Sarawak, they should have no fear of tabling the Motion.

“It’s not seditious – nothing is inciting against the King and it’s not anti-Malaya – no violence – but, it is about protecting our constitutional right. We are here to back you up,” he told a press conference.

Voon added: “Sarawakians are not asking for speeches. We are asking for action.”

On Jan 12, 2026, Petronas filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court seeking clarity on whether the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 or Sarawak’s Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 governs oil and gas operations, following disputes over Petros’ role as sole gas aggregator.

Voon said for decades, Sarawak has been told to be patient while its resources, which constitutionally belongs to the state, are controlled and monetised by Putrajaya and Petronas.

“Today, that injustice has reached a breaking point with Petronas and its subsidiaries taking legal action against the Sarawak government itself,” he said.

Voon said the Motion is principled and lawful, calling for repeal or amendment of federal laws that stripped Sarawak and Sabah of oil and gas control, and an end to Petronas using courts to override state authority without Parliamentary approval.

“But if GPS MPs refuse to act, Sarawakians will draw their own conclusions – That GPS fears Putrajaya more than it respects Sarawak.

“That GPS protects Petronas and Putrajaya more than it protects Sarawak’s constitutional rights,” he said.

Voon criticised GPS for political theatre, saying: “If they are not brave enough to defend Sarawak but compromise or wish to give more face to the federal government or to Petronas or its subsidiaries, they better no longer be the government of Sarawak.”

He said Sarawakians are angry at the federal government for centralising resources, at Petronas for suing the state, and increasingly at GPS for failing to defend Sarawak.

“This is the moment of truth. Table the Motion and debate it openly. Vote on it – so history records who stood for Sarawak and who stood with Petronas,” Voon said.

He stressed that PBK stands ready to defend Sarawak’s oil and gas rights, and: “Anything less than restoring our rights is surrender.”