By Peter John Jaban (Sarawak for Sarawakians)
KOTA KINABALU: We express our full and unwavering solidarity with the people of Sarawak following the decision by the Government of Sarawak to seek constitutional clarification from the Federal Court of Malaysia regarding the applicability of federal petroleum laws within the state.
This legal action is not an act of confrontation, nor is it a challenge to the Federation of Malaysia. On the contrary, it strengthens federalism by ensuring that constitutional boundaries between state and federal powers are clearly defined, respected, and upheld according to the rule of law. Seeking judicial interpretation is the most responsible and mature course of action in any constitutional democracy.
This petition must also be viewed within the broader historical framework of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which forms the foundation of Sarawak’s position within Malaysia.
Any interpretation of petroleum-related legislation must be consistent with both the letter and spirit of that agreement, as well as the Federal Constitution. The safeguards and autonomy envisaged at the formation of Malaysia must not be diminished by ambiguity.
For decades, questions surrounding the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and the role of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) in relation to Sarawak’s oil and gas resources have remained matters of legal and public debate.
Bringing these issues before the apex court demonstrates confidence in Malaysia’s constitutional institutions and ensures that the judiciary not political rhetoric determines the law.
Sarawakians are no longer passive. Sarawakians are no longer uninformed. *Sarawakians are no longer naïve* about issues concerning their own rights, land and natural resources.
The people understand their constitutional position and historical rights. We demand transparency, legality, and fairness in the management of resources that rightfully belong to the state.
Legal certainty will also bring economic clarity, as investors require stability and policymakers need clearly defined jurisdiction.
Most importantly, the rakyat deserve assurance that revenues derived from Sarawak’s natural wealth will be managed equitably and channelled toward food security ,infrastructure, education, healthcare, rural connectivity, and long-term sustainable development.
Sarawak’s natural resources are not about politics they are about the welfare of our children, our rural communities, and our future generations.
The wealth generated from our oil and gas must translate into tangible development and shared prosperity across Sarawak.
In unity and solidarity, Sarawakians must stand together not in anger, but in wisdom, but in dignity to ensure our resources are managed fairly, lawfully, and transparently in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
We have full confidence that the Federal Court of Malaysia will interpret the Constitution independently, fairly, and in accordance with its supreme authority.
The pursuit of legal clarity is not divisive. It is responsible governance. True unity within Malaysia must be built on fairness, mutual respect, and constitutional integrity.
