SIBU: Sarawak’s oil, gas resources, and continental shelf sovereignty are constitutionally and legally enshrined rights that are non-negotiable and immune to compromise.
In taking this stance, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong Branch chairman, Wong Ching Yong considered recent criticisms targeting Sarawak’s legitimate pursuit of resource management reflect a blatant disregard for history, law, and facts.
“In this regard, SUPP Dudong Branch firmly supports the Sarawak government, particularly Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in upholding Sarawak’s unwavering stance on our resource and territorial sovereignty while strongly refuting all unfounded accusations,” he said in a statement issued during the branch’s mobile service at 101 Sibu Jaya here today (Nov 24).
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“Since Malaysia’s formation, Sarawak has made immeasurable contributions to the nation’s oil and gas resources. Data shows that between the implementation of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) in 1974 and 2014, Sarawak’s oil and gas resources generated over RM1 trillion in revenue for Petronas and the federal government.
“Yet, Sarawak has received disproportionately low returns from these contributions in terms of development and economic benefits.”
Wong, who is also Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman felt it is not a good idea to continue playing the role of a golden goose for others, especially when Sarawak has not been the primary beneficiary of its own resources.
In this context he said any effort to safeguard Sarawak’s rightful claim to its resources and territorial sovereignty is both lawful and justified.
Accusations of selfishness leveled against Sarawak, he pointed out, are nothing more than attempts to perpetuate exploitation.
“Our claims over Sarawak’s resources are not merely moral arguments but are deeply rooted in historical, constitutional, and legal foundations.
“As Abang Johari emphasised during the recent 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting, Sarawak’s rights over the continental shelf are non-transferable and non-negotiable.
“The Land Code of 1958, which remains valid even after the formation of Malaysia, clearly designates Sarawak’s seabed and subsoil as state-owned.
“Under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Article 47(2) of the Sarawak Constitution, Sarawak’s offshore resources have always belonged to the state. This right is further protected under Article 2 of the Federal Constitution, which requires the consent of the Sarawak State Assembly for any changes to its boundaries,” he stressed.
According to him, Sarawak has exercised its rights to oil and gas resources since colonial times, and the 2009 amendment to the Continental Shelf Act further solidified Sarawak’s exclusive ownership over its seabed and subsoil, aligning federal laws with Sarawak’s sovereignty.
Any challenge to these rights violates MA63, the Sarawak Constitution, and the Federal Constitution, he argued.
In recent years, Wong noted that Sarawak has taken steps to reclaim its rightful role in managing oil and gas resources through the establishment of Petros, Sarawak’s own oil and gas company.
However, he said, these efforts have been met with baseless criticisms from certain quarters in Peninsular Malaysia, with some even labeling Sarawak’s demands as “blackmail” or “threats”.
“We strongly reject such accusations. Sarawak’s demands are legitimate, rooted in constitutional and historical rights, and should not be misconstrued as coercion.”
SUPP Dudong branch, he pointed out, supports the Sarawak government’s continued enforcement of laws such as the Oil Mining Ordinance (1958) and Gas Distribution Ordinance (2016) to ensure that resource development aligns with Sarawak’s best interests.
These laws, he stated, not only preserve Sarawak’s historical and constitutional rights but also lay the groundwork for sustainable future development.
“SUPP Dudong Branch calls on all parties nationwide to recognise Sarawak’s legitimate claims over its resources and territorial sovereignty. We urge the cessation of baseless accusations and negative portrayals,” he said.
