Perantis: S’wak’s continental shelf remains region’s full, non-negotiable rights

MIRI (Aug 21): Sarawak’s continental shelf within the state territory is fully Sarawak’s right and not up for negotiation, said Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak (Perantis).

Perantis in a press statement yesterday expressed its dismay and disappointment towards a statement by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli on Aug 8, stating the Sarawak region borders are drawn up in accordance with the Continental Shelf Act 1966, the Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 and the Territorial Sea Act 2012.

“Apparently, the minister is not following the progress of the returning of Sarawak and Sabah regions’ rights, which is currently being implemented under the Unity Government.

“The Federal Constitution, Article 1(3) guarantees Sarawak’s borders as at the time of the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia,” it pointed out.

Adding on, Perantis said Item 2 of List II (State List) of Schedule 9 of the Constitution places ‘land’ under the jurisdiction of the state.

“Detail 2(c) List II (State List) Schedule 9 of the Constitution includes the power to grant permits for exploration and mining to the state government.

“This means the continental shelf, the seabed and below the seabed, is also included in the interpretation of the word ‘state land’ under Section 2 of the Sarawak Land Code. It is, therefore, under the control of the Sarawak government based on Section 12,” added the statement.

Perantis also refuted Rafizi’s statement saying there was an issue regarding the boundary between the federal government and the state government on the Continental Shelf Act (1966), the Exclusive Economic Zone Act (1984) and the Territorial Sea Act (2012).

“The statement claimed that discussion on the difference in interpretation of the border (between the federal government and the Sarawak government) is still ongoing.

“Let us be clear that the rights of Sarawak are not something that can be negotiated.

“MA63 is an agreement that has led to the establishment of a country called ‘Malaysia’. Without the participation of Sabah and Sarawak, there would not be such country,” it stressed.

In view of this, Perantis wants the Sarawak government to be firm in defending its rights under MA63 that have been eroded over the years.

“We need to reclaim what is rightfully ours as stated under MA63.

“The rights of Sabah and Sarawak are enshrined in the constitution, including the Cobbold Commission report and the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) report,” it added.

The statement by Perantis was issued jointly by the association’s deputy president Ricky Sani, advisor Wellie Henry Majang and legal advisor Paul Raja.