PKR Sibuti backs Sarawak govt’s stand on MA63, asserting O&G rights

MIRI (Jan 28): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sibuti has expressed full support for the Sarawak government’s firm stance in asserting the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly its regulatory authority over oil and gas (O&G) resources.

PKR Sibuti chief Louis Jampi said that as a Malaysian, a Sarawakian and an Iban, he stood firmly behind the state government’s efforts to reclaim rights agreed upon at the formation of Malaysia.

He stressed that Sarawak’s authority to regulate O&G is clearly enshrined in MA63 and further reinforced by the Federal Constitution as well as the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958.

“The Sarawak government’s position is grounded in law, history and constitutional principles.

“Sarawak’s rights over O&G are not arbitrary claims, but are based on agreements and legal frameworks that existed at the time Malaysia was formed,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Commenting on a recent statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, who reportedly claimed that Sarawak does not possess regulatory authority over O&G, Louis said such assertions ignore the spirit, historical context and original intent of MA63.

He emphasised that MA63 should not be trivialised, describing it instead as a constitutional contract that guarantees the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as founding partners of the Federation, including rights over natural resources.

“MA63 is not merely a ‘two-page agreement’. It is a foundational pact that defines the relationship between the founding partners of the Federation,” he said.

According to Louis, Sarawak is not seeking additional privileges, but is merely asserting rights that were promised and guaranteed under MA63.

“Respecting MA63 means respecting the very foundation upon which Malaysia was built,” he added.

He clarified that the statement reflected his personal view as a Sarawakian leader who hopes that historical facts and original agreements will continue to be upheld for the long-term benefit of both the state and the nation.