Issued by Voon Lee Shan, President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang.
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) demands immediate transparency from the GPS government over its decision to file a suit in the Federal Court to determine the constitutionality of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and the Continental Shelf Act 1966.
Was the Sabah government consulted?
Was there consensus among Borneo leaders?
Was there a united strategy before declaring legal war against Putrajaya and Petronas?
The people of Sabah and Sarawak deserve answers.
This is not a minor administrative dispute. This is a battle that concerns the ownership, control, and destiny of our petroleum resources — resources that belong to the people of Borneo. The outcome of this legal challenge will shape generations to come.
PBK warns: if this suit fails and the Federal Court upholds both federal laws, what will be the consequences? Will Sarawak and Sabah lose leverage permanently? Will this strengthen federal control over our oil and gas resources for decades? Have the risks been carefully calculated?
A failed constitutional challenge will not just be a political setback — it may cement federal dominance over Borneo’s wealth. Sabahans may question whether Sarawak acted unilaterally. Distrust between the two Borneo states could grow. The people must not be divided because of poor foresight and lack of coordination.
PBK believes any move of this magnitude must be undertaken with:
• Full transparency to the rakyat
• Formal consultation with Sabah
• A united Borneo front
• A long-term legal and political strategy
You do not enter a constitutional war without securing your allies.
PBK maintains its long-standing position that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework must be fundamentally examined. PBK received many legal opinions from international lawyers that MA63 is null and void ab initio and it could not be used as a basis to constitute Malaysia.
If MA63 itself is legally defective, then all federal laws imposed upon Sabah and Sarawak under that framework are open to constitutional challenge. But such a position requires careful, strategic, and united action — not isolated moves that may weaken Borneo’s bargaining power.
We caution GPS:
Do not gamble with the future of our children.
Do not act without Sabah.
Do not risk generations of resource ownership on an uncertain legal strategy.
Borneo’s strength lies in unity — not unilateral action. Sarawak definitely doesn’t belong to GPS alone and GPS could not decide things alone. Had our Legislature been convened to discuss and debate on the matter? Had people of Sarawak in the streets been consulted and their opinions been sought before this legal and political war in the federal court against Petronas and the federal government?
PBK stands firmly with the grassroots who demand dignity, sovereignty, and transparency. The people are watching. History will judge those who act without foresight. Sarawak deserves smart and intelligent leaders – leaders with wisdom and not leaders who take things all on their own without consultation with people in such an important matter that will affect the life and livelihod of all Sarawakians and Sabahans.
Enough secrecy. Enough political theatrics.
Show the people the plan — or withdraw the gamble.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Jesselton Times.
