Petronas' legal challenges create doubts among Sarawakians whether federal government respects Sarawak's constitutional rights

SIBU, Jan 28 2026: SUPP Youth Central (SYC) today told the federal government to act consistently as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has publicly acknowledged Sarawak’s rights and recognised Petros as the state’s sole gas aggregator. 

SUPP Youth Central: Sarawak’s oil and gas rights are safeguarded by history, law and constitutional principles.  

“If this is truly the federal government’s position, then why does Petronas continue to pursue legal challenges?” SYC asked in a statement in response to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said’s written reply to a question from Saratok MP Ali Biju early this week.

“Such actions risk undermining the prime minister’s commitment and create doubts among Sarawakians as to whether the federal government genuinely respects Sarawak’s constitutional position,” it said.

SYC also said disputes between the Sarawak government and Petronas should be resolved through negotiation, not legal confrontation.

“What Sarawakians seek is fair resource distribution, constructive cooperation and long-term stability — not prolonged litigation that strains federal–state relations.

“A mature partnership must be built on continuous dialogue, mutual respect and trust, not courtroom battles,” it said.

SYS also reminded that Sarawak’s oil and gas rights are safeguarded by history, law and constitutional principles.

SYS urged the federal government to support negotiation, not confrontation; uphold partnership, not division; respect Sarawak’s constitutional rights in both words and action.

It reiterated that Sarawak’s oil and gas rights cannot be casually dismissed simply because the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) does not spell them out word for word.

“Firstly, MA63 is a founding covenant, not an ordinary document. Its spirit was to establish Malaysia with Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore and Malaya as equal partners.

“As an equal partner, Sarawak’s inherent rights over its land and natural resources must be respected.

“Any narrow or selective interpretation that ignores the historical intent and constitutional significance of MA63 is unacceptable and undermines the spirit on the formation of Malaysia.

“Secondly, Sarawak’s laws continue to carry constitutional weight,” saying that Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958) was enacted by Sarawak’s legislature prior to the formation of Malaysia.

“This affirms that Sarawak constitutionally retains jurisdiction over oil and gas within its territory.

“Therefore, Sarawak’s rights, state laws and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report must be fully respected and upheld,” SYS said.

In a written reply to a question raised by Saratok Member of Parliament Ali Biju in the Dewan Rakyat on January 26, who asked the prime minister to state the federal government’s latest stance on Sarawak’s claims relating to the Order in Council 1954 and the Territorial Seas Act 2012, as well as the extent to which the MA63 negotiations can avoid overlapping powers between Petros and Petronas.

Azalina said has said that the matter was being considered in the Federal Court based on Petronas's input and official response and that the government respects the independence of the judiciary and will abide by its decision.

Azalina also stated that MA63 is a fundamental document for the formation of Malaysia but does not contain provisions relating to the ownership, management or regulation of oil and gas, in addition to stressing that the industry is determined by federal legislation, particularly the Petroleum Development Act 1974 which vests Petronas with petroleum.

Fed-up MPKS to take tough actions against unrepentant litterbugs

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Jan 28 2026: Fed-up with the attitude of unrepentant litterbugs, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) has warned that stern actions will be taken them if they are found to illegally dump garbage on roadsides or open spaces.

Caption: Garbage being dumped along Jalan Sarawak Turf Club, Batu 7, Samarahan  

It said it has found out that illegal garbage disposal activities have been found to be occurring repeatedly at the same location, particularly at Jalan Sarawak Turf Club, Batu 7, following several complaints received from the public.

Acting on the complaints,  MPKS has implemented monitoring in the area and ordered immediate cleaning work to be carried out to ensure that the levels of cleanliness, safety and well-being of the public environment are always maintained.

In its statement, the MPKS expressed its deep disappointment at the irresponsibility of a few individuals who continue to illegally dispose of garbage without regard to the negative impact on the environment and the quality of life of local residents.

MPKS warned that strict action would be taken against any individual found to be violating regulations under the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council By-Laws in force.

Offenders can be subject to compound action or prosecution in court if convicted.

Meanwhile, MPKS called for the cooperation of all parties to channel information or report any illegal waste disposal activities to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken.

MPKS also reminded everyone that efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness are a shared responsibility and require awareness and continuous commitment from the entire community for the well-being and image of the Kota Samarahan municipality.

 

Selangau MP says MA63 is not just an official document, but also a pulse of the formation of Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 2026: Selangau Member of Parliament Edwin anak Banta has called for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to be included as an important syllabus in history books.

Edwin Banta: We do not want to see the situation in Sarawak, which contributes 60 percent of the country’s gas reserves and 90 percent of Malaysia’s LNG exports, but the people of Sarawak and its own industry are ‘starving’ due to a lack of gas supply for domestic use 

He said MA63 was not just a date or official document, but rather the pulse of the formation of Malaysia which the people needed to understand to avoid misunderstandings, false accusations and political manipulation.

“The history of MA63 is not just a date or official document. It is also the pulse of the formation of Malaysia, a symbol of understanding between states or regions and the basis of mutual rights and responsibilities,” he said in Parliament, quoted as saying by WAI.fm.

On the appointment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as a gas aggregator, he said it is not intended to negate the role of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), but rather a strategic step to ensure sufficient gas supply to drive the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.

“We do not want to see the situation in Sarawak, which contributes 60 percent of the country’s gas reserves and 90 percent of Malaysia’s LNG exports, but the people of Sarawak and its own industry are ‘starving’ due to a lack of gas supply for domestic use,” he was quoted as saying.

Edwin also referred to the statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform Azalina Othman  that MA63 does not contain specific provisions on the ownership and management of oil and gas and the sector is entirely determined by the Petroleum Development Act 1974.

He questioned whether the absence of a specific clause in MA63 could be interpreted as a license to fully centralize Sarawak’s strategic resources without equal negotiations.

He also sought an explanation as to why federal laws after the formation of Malaysia were not reviewed and adjusted to reflect Sarawak’s position as a founding partner.

He also referred to the commercial agreement between Petronas and the Sarawak government in 2020, but questioned why legal uncertainties and overlapping functions were still lingering, forcing Petronas to take the matter to the Federal Court.

"Does the federal government stand that an issue of this magnitude that affects MA63 and the federal structure should be left entirely to the interpretation of the courts, without a fair and principled political solution between Federal partners?" he said.