PRS Youth: Sarawak’s Federal Court petition not confrontational, merely seeks legal clarification

KUCHING (Feb 24): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth stands firmly behind the Sarawak state leadership in its move to seek constitutional determination from the Federal Court on petroleum rights.

PRS Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang said the wing fully supports the principled and constitutional position articulated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali regarding the state government’s petition.

He described her statement when filing a petition in the Federal Court on Monday as reflecting clarity, historical grounding, and constitutional discipline.

“This is not confrontation. This is legal clarification,” he said in a statement.

Gira said the matter concerns the interpretation and safeguarding of rights enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which he described as the founding covenant of Malaysia.

He reiterated that Sarawak and Sabah entered the federation as founding partners and not subordinate states, adding that rights over natural resources within pre-Malaysia boundaries were inherent and constitutionally safeguarded.

PRS Youth, he said, remains resolute in supporting the state leadership in defending those rights through constitutional mechanisms, including proceedings before the Federal Court.

He also noted that the younger generation in Borneo today is historically informed and constitutionally aware, underscoring that MA63 is not mere symbolic rhetoric but the legal foundation of the federation.

“If the rights agreed under MA63 are not fully realised or are narrowly interpreted in ways that undermine its original spirit, it is reasonable that all lawful avenues grounded in universal principles of justice be considered to safeguard the integrity of that founding covenant,” he said.

Gira stressed the priority remains resolving the matter within Malaysia’s constitutional framework.

He added that Bornean solidarity should be viewed not as political posturing, but as a collective awareness that founding partners must be respected in a balanced federation.

“Sarawak strengthens Malaysia by upholding MA63. Malaysia remains strong when its founding terms are honoured.

“Respect the covenant. Respect Borneo. Respect the founding partners,” he said.