Sarawak, Sabah entitled to resources within their territories under MA63, says Bandar Kuching MP

KUCHING (Sept 9): Sarawak and Sabah have the right to their resources within their respective territories as stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said demands from any of the Borneo states, particularly what is rightfully theirs should not be regarded as a political move.

“Demanding what is rightfully ours should not be seen as a political matter but legal matter concerning the basis and foundation of the formation of Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

The statement was issued in response to a recent news report that Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) was contemplating a court injunction to maintain its sole supervision role over the oil and gas trading in the country.

Dr Yii expressed confidence that what is rightfully Sarawak’s will withstand any legal challenges.

He went on to say: “Probably a legal judgement in court is what is needed to put rest to all different interpretations and dispute of the matter and thus facilitate the proper return of our rights and resources.”

He stressed that all Sarawak and Sabah want is to have what was rightfully theirs be returned to them.

“This is so that we get equitable development for all our people to ensure all regardless of region, race, religion or class can enjoy the fruits and riches of our land,” he added.

Of late, Channel News Asia (CNA) quoted government officials as saying that Petronas was mulling over filing a court injunction following a determined challenge by Sarawak for greater control of the trading and extraction of gas and other oil-related products in the state.

It was understood a court injunction would temporarily halt any action Sarawak could take against Petronas.

CNA reported that unless the Sarawak government decided to resume negotiations with Petronas over the control of natural resources, the dispute could escalate into a full-blown court battle.