‘Respect Borneo’: S’wak’s O&G court petition seeks legal clarification, not confrontation — PRS Youth chief

Christopher Gira Sambang (file photo)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 24: The Sarawak government’s move to file a petition in the Federal Court to challenge the applicability of key federal laws on oil and gas (O&G) in the State, following PETRONAS’ move to question the validity of Sarawak’s petroleum laws, is not a confrontation but a legal clarification.

In a statement, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief Christopher Gira Sambang expressed full support for the petition, saying that Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali’s statement on the matter reflects clarity, historical grounding, and constitutional discipline.

“This is not confrontation, this is legal clarification. MA63 is the founding covenant of Malaysia. Sarawak and Sabah entered Malaysia as founding partners—not subordinate states,” he said.

He added that rights over natural resources within pre-Malaysia boundaries were not concessions as they were inherent and constitutionally safeguarded.

Gira also stressed that PRS Youth stands firmly behind the State leadership in defending those rights through the Federal Court and constitutional mechanisms, adding that today’s Borneo generation is historically informed and constitutionally aware.

“MA63 is not symbolic rhetoric. It is 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.

However, he said, priority remains on resolution within Malaysia’s constitutional framework.

“Borneo Solidarity is not political posturing. It is the collective awareness that the 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.”

On Feb 23, the Sarawak government filed a petition in the Federal Court to challenge the applicability of key federal laws on oil and gas in the State, following PETRONAS’ move to question the validity of Sarawak’s petroleum laws.

Sharifah Hasidah said the petition targets the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), the Continental Shelf Act 1966 (CSA66), and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 (PMA66), which infringe on the State’s rights over offshore O&G within the State’s boundaries. — DayakDaily