Stop bickering, resolve federal–state issues through dialogue, not courts, says Sarawak minister

KUCHING (Jan 30): Persistent political bickering must stop, as unresolved federal–state issues are fuelling unease and frustration among Sarawakians and Sabahans, said Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Echoing Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s call for national unity, Abdul Karim stressed that concerns raised should be taken seriously, particularly given Nanta’s stature and historical connection to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“When a leader of his standing (as the grandson of the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng), voices such feelings, they should be examined more deeply by leaders at the higher level,” he told a press conference at his office.

He was commenting on Nanta’s recent remarks on BFM’s The Breakfast Grille, in which the minister, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general, urged Malaysia to move past constant bickering and work towards resolving issues harmoniously.

Abdul Karim said many in Sarawak shared similar concerns when observing developments in Peninsular Malaysia, noting that Sarawak has remained largely harmonious despite its diverse communities.

“We want to see a peaceful and progressive Malaysia, but every day we hear of disputes and problems that are not happening in Sarawak or even Sabah,” he said, adding that such developments have caused confusion and frustration in East Malaysia.

He highlighted recent parliamentary debates involving Sarawak MPs over oil and gas management, particularly following Petronas’ move to seek clarification from the Federal Court on matters related to the continental shelf, land rights, the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and the Petroleum Development Act.

Abdul Karim noted that both the federal and state governments had previously held discussions and reached certain understandings on these issues, and questioned why the matter is now before the courts.

“Personally, I feel issues like this are better resolved amicably through dialogue between leaders,” he said, referring to discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

He also questioned whether Petronas’ legal action had the Prime Minister’s approval, saying the move appeared inconsistent with earlier understandings that disputes would be resolved through direct negotiations.

Abdul Karim further expressed concern over public statements by a federal law minister suggesting that the MA63 does not cover oil and gas matters while the issue is still pending before the court.

“When such statements are made while the case is still before the court, it raises questions and adds to public unease,” he said.

He warned that regardless of the court’s eventual decision, underlying frustrations would remain unresolved if dialogue and mutual trust were lacking.

“In any federal system, disputes between the federal and state governments should be settled amicably. Sending the matter to the courts will not solve the deeper problem,” he said.

Abdul Karim urged the Prime Minister to address the growing sense of frustration and insecurity among Sarawakians and Sabahans, calling for decisive steps to restore confidence and national unity.