SUPP Youth backs state government's decision to file a petition in Federal Court on constitutional validity and applicability of three federal Acts to Sarawak

KUCHING, Feb 23 2026: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth has expressed its firm support to the state government’s decision to file a petition in the Federal Court to determine the constitutional validity and continued applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966, and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 in relation to Sarawak.

In a statement tonight, SUPP Youth said the Federal Constitution under Article 162 expressly preserves all pre-Malaysia laws in force within Sarawak.

“This means that laws enacted prior to Malaysia Day continue to remain valid and cannot be unilaterally disregarded by the federal government or Petronas.

“This includes the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958, as well as matters relating to petroleum and mineral resources which fall under the State List as provided in the Ninth Schedule,” SUPP Youth contended.

It said Sarawak has consistently pursued the management of its natural resources in accordance with State laws that are constitutionally safeguarded to protect the interests of Sarawak and all Sarawakians.

“It is therefore appropriate for the state to seek judicial interpretation on how subsequent federal legislation, including the Petroleum Development Act 1974, interacts with Sarawak’s preserved legislative powers,” it stressed.

It said while it acknowledges that certain narratives have emerged from Peninsular Malaysia emphasising national interests, such considerations must not come at the expense of Sarawak’s constitutional rights.

“These rights are deeply rooted in the constitutional framework that formed Malaysia in 1963 and reflect the strong sentiments of Sarawakians that our voices must be heard.

“Sarawak must be respected as an equal partner in the Federation of Malaysia,” SUPP Youth said, pointing out that such recognition and respect of Sarawak’s State laws are essential to collectively build a stronger, fairer and more united Malaysia for the benefit of all.

Earlier today, Deputy Minister of Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali announced that the state government has filed a petition in the Federal Court to determine the constitutional validity and continued applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974,  Continental Shelf Act 1966 and Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to Sarawak.

She said these federal Acts adversely affect and deprive the rights of Sarawak to the natural resources, including oil and gas, found in the seabed of the Continental Shelf within the boundaries as extended and defined by the Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order in Council 1954 and the Sarawak (Definition of Boundaries) Order in Council 1958.

Sharifah Hasidah said that under MA63 and the constitutional instruments annexed thereto, the sovereign rights to the petroleum resources in the seabed within Sarawak's boundaries, were vested on Malaysia Day by the British government, in Sarawak and not in the federation or federal government.

She noted that Item 2(c) of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution vests legislative authority in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA), to regulate the exercise of such petroleum rights through issuance of mining leases and certificates and prospecting licenses.

She added that the Continental Shelf Act, 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act, 1966 were originally applicable to the States of Malaya, but extended to Sarawak by way of an Ordinance passed after the Proclamation of Emergency 1969.

“That Emergency was annulled by both Houses of Parliament in December 2011,” she said, adding that “therefore, by June 2012, these two (2) laws should no longer apply to Sarawak by reason of Article 150(7) of the federal Constitution”.

She noted that Petronas had on January 10 2026 filed an application to seek leave to apply to the Federal Court to challenge the validity of several state laws purportedly to seek judicial clarity on these laws which regulate Petronas' petroleum operations, business and other activities in Sarawak.

The application is scheduled for hearing by the Federal Court on March 16, 2026.

Sharifah Haisdah said the Sarawak government will be objecting to application which does not fall within the Federal Court's exclusive original jurisdiction under Article 128(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

Sarawak government files petition in Apex Court challenging constitutional validlty and applicability of three federal Acts on the state

KUCHING, Feb 23 2026: The state government today filed a petition in the Federal Court to determine the constitutional validity and continued applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974,  Continental Shelf Act 1966 and Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to Sarawak.

Deputy Minister Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali says under MA63 and the constitutional instruments annexed thereto, the sovereign rights to the petroleum resources in the seabed within Sarawak's boundaries, were vested on Malaysia Day by the British government, in Sarawak and not in the federation or federal government,
 

Deputy Minister of Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said these federal Acts adversely affect and deprive the rights of Sarawak to the natural resources, including oil and gas, found in the seabed of the Continental Shelf within the boundaries as extended and defined by the Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order in Council 1954 and the Sarawak (Definition of Boundaries) Order in Council 1958.

“Under MA63 and the constitutional instruments annexed thereto, the sovereign rights to the petroleum resources in the seabed within Sarawak's boundaries, were vested on Malaysia Day by the British government, in Sarawak and not in the federation or federal government,” she said in a statement.

Sharifah Hasidah noted that Item 2(c) of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution vests legislative authority in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA), to regulate the exercise of such petroleum rights through issuance of mining leases and certificates and prospecting licenses.

She added that the Continental Shelf Act, 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act, 1966 were originally applicable to the States of Malaya, but extended to Sarawak by way of an Ordinance passed after the Proclamation of Emergency 1969.

“That Emergency was annulled by both Houses of Parliament in December 2011,” she said, adding that “therefore, by June 2012, these two (2) laws should no longer apply to Sarawak by reason of Article 150(7) of the federal Constitution”.

She noted that Petronas had on January 10 2026 filed an application to seek leave to apply to the Federal Court to challenge the validity of several state laws purportedly to seek judicial clarity on these laws which regulate Petronas' petroleum operations, business and other activities in Sarawak.

The application is scheduled for hearing by the Federal Court on March 16, 2026.

Sharifah Haisdah said the Sarawak government will be objecting to application which does not fall within the Federal Court's exclusive original jurisdiction under Article 128(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

“Therefore, the Sarawak government is constrained to also seek the determination of the Federal Court under Article 4(3) and 128 (1) of the Federal Constitution as to the validity of the said federal Acts in so far as to their application to Sarawak.

“The said federal Acts affect the boundaries of Sarawak, established before Malaysia Day, and Sarawak's rights to the petroleum resources found in offshore land within Sarawak's boundaries.

“Sarawak is justified, in the safeguarding the legitimate interests and rights of Sarawak and its people, which are enshrined in the Federal Constitution as well as in the Malaysia Agreement and the constitutional instruments annexed thereto, by seeking a ruling from the Federal Court on the continuing application and effect of these Federal Acts in Sarawak.

“It must be noted that Sarawak's rights to seek such a ruling from our apex court, is embedded in Articles 4(3) and (4) of the Federal Constitution,” Sharifah Hasidah said.

She added the determination of these constitutional issues will also provide clarity on the regulatory framework for the oil and gas industry in Sarawak especially to investors in the upstream and downstream businesses of the industry.

“Notwithstanding the filing of the petition, the Sarawak government remains committed to continuing constructive discussions with the Federal Government, to reach an amicable resolution of these issues that would strengthen national unity, promote more sustainable use of our oil and gas resources, and enable Sarawak to contribute significantly towards Malaysia's prosperity and economic growth,” Sharifah Hasidah said

Heavy rain, stormy weather force the search for a 84yo longhouse man to be suspended early

ENGKILILI, Feb 23 2026: Heavy rain and stormy weather forced the search for a 84-year old man, who was reported missing five days ago, to be suspended early at 4pm this afternoon, but will continue tomorrow.

Caption: The search on around the land where footprints and broken wood marks were found 

Betong Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station, in a statement today, said today’s search was on land starting from the location where the footprints and broken wood marks were found.

“The search followed the river as far as 4km downstream and upstream,” the station said.

Igoh anak Sengaling, from Rumah Richard Tawan, Tebarong, Lubok Skrang, Engkilili, was reported missing after leaving to seek treatment at the Skrang Scheme Clinic.

He reportedly left home on February 18, 2026 at approximately 7am by boarding his own boat to go to the clinic to get medicine.

According to family members, he did not return home as usual after the incident.

The family and residents of the longhouse then conducted a search around the longhouse area and nearby forests, but failed to find any traces or clues throughout the two-day search effort.

A police report was made on February 19, 2026 at approximately 7:50 pm.

THs search and rescue (S&R) party involved personnel from Betong Bomba station, police, Civil Defebce Department, Rela and longhouse residents.

PRS Youth supports call by deputy speaker for parliament to give approval for Sarawak Assembly seats to be incteased from 82 to 99

KUCHING, Feb 23 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth today expressed firm and full support to a call by Deputy Speaker Idris Buang for Parliament to give approval to the proposed increase in the number of seats of  the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) from 82 to 99.

Its chief Christopher Gira Sambang (picture) said the statement  by Idris reflects the true realities of Sarawak - a vast state with a growing population and significant rural development needs that require continuous attention.

“As an example, Tamin constituency is geographically very large, covering numerous longhouses and rural settlements located far apart from one another,” Gira, who represents the constituency, said in a statement in responding to the deputy speaker’s call to parliament.

He said the real challenges in Tamin include road access that still requires upgrading, the need for clean water supply and basic infrastructure and long travel distances to effectively serve constituents.

“In such circumstances, the creation of an additional seat is not a political luxury, but a practical necessity to ensure rural communities are not disadvantaged by the sheer size of their constituency,” he added.

He noted that a resolution has already been passed by the SLA and that the next step now requires approval by parliament.

Gira said PRS Youth is of the view that if the review conducted by the Election Commission has been thorough and professional, there should be no reasonable grounds for delay.

He called  upon all Members of Parliament, particularly those from Sarawak, to place the interests of the people above political differences and grant the necessary approval for balanced development.

He said the MPs should recognise that the increase in seats is a structural adjustment, not an excessive demand, adding that Sarawak requires a representation framework that reflects its geographical and demographic realities.

“As the younger generation in leadership, PRS Youth stands firm in defending fair representation for the people of Sarawak,” he stressed, pointing out that this is not just merely about numbers, but also