KUCHING: Datuk Zaid Ibrahim’s stance mirrors that of other peninsula leaders who seem inclined to exploit Sarawak’s resources, said Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) chairman Datuk Helmi Ikhwan.
He expressed concerns regarding the former de facto law minister’s comments on Sarawak’s resource claims.
In response, he called for the state government to consider barring Zaid from entering the state.
“I think Zaid is just like many other Malayan leaders who like to continue plundering Sarawak resources.
“Sarawak government should bar him from entering our state,” he said to New Sarawak Tribune.
The core of the issue revolves around Sarawak’s recent claims to six newly discovered oil wells within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Zaid questioned Sarawak’s claims, citing the 1974 Agreement with Petronas and the Law of the Sea 2012, which designates the territorial sea as 12 nautical miles.
He argued that the Federation of Malaysia should be entitled to the oil resources found within the EEZ, similar to how states in Australia, like Victoria, were denied claims to their economic zones, with the highest court ruling in favour of the Commonwealth rather than individual states.
Helmi acknowledged Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which has garnered solid support from Sarawakians.
“We are lucky to have a strong Premier who has solid support from all Sarawakians.
“We are behind our Premier in continuing to fight for Sarawak’s rights under MA63,” he asserted.
