DATUK Ibrahim Baki (GPS-Satok) has dismissed former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim’s suggestion that the Batu Puteh ruling could impact Sarawak’s claims over its offshore oil and gas resources.
While acknowledging Zaid’s right to his opinion, Ibrahim emphasised Sarawak’s distinct position.
“Sarawak’s rights over the continental shelf are not a dispute between two sovereign states, and therefore, international law principles do not apply. The issue of whether state rights are affected by Malaysia’s sovereignty claim should be decided based on domestic laws, including the Federal Constitution,” he said when debating the Supply Bill 2025 today (Nov 15).
He further asserted that Sarawak has never relinquished its rights over its continental shelf, which he considers state land.
He cited the declaration of marine parks in some offshore areas as evidence of Sarawak’s claims.
Ibrahim reiterated Sarawak’s legitimate claims to its oil and gas resources.
He stressed the importance of respecting state laws, including the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016.
Sarawak’s right to enforce its laws should not be questioned and that any encroachment on its constitutional rights is unacceptable, he said.
He highlighted Sarawak’s significant contributions to the national economy through the oil and gas sector and rejected claims that Sarawak is unwilling to honour past agreements.
