KUCHING: The validity of Bintulu Port as a federal entity pursuant to the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 is being questioned.
Senate president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has argued that returning ownership of Bintulu Port to Sarawak is a justifiable demand.
He pointed out that Bintulu Port, as per the Federal Constitution, falls under the category of state-owned port.
“This implies that it cannot be legislated by the federal government but rather by Sarawak.
“The previous federal government’s ownership of Bintulu Port was due to the 1981 legislation,” he was quoted as saying in an interview with TVS.
Wan Junaidi highlighted that the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 may not have been approved by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), meaning that the port’s administration should be under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak government rather than the federal government.
Without the legal approval of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, he asserted that the agreement could be voided.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the BPA Act, as it was based on perceived discussions between and approval by the Federal Government and Chief Minister of Sarawak at the time.
“According to the Federal Constitution, if it was not sanctioned by the DUN Sarawak, then the law is not valid,” he pointed out.
Wan Junaidi emphasised the crucial role of Bintulu Port in driving Sarawak’s economy and development.
He opined that if it were under the control or ownership of the Sarawak government, its function would be more comprehensive and efficient than under previous management.
However, he acknowledged that the process of returning the port to Sarawak will take time, as it involves negotiations with multiple parties.
Previously, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg mentioned that the state government was in discussions with the federal government to fulfil this request, following positive reactions regarding the acquisition of Bintulu Port and the airline company MasWings.
An announcement on this matter is expected before the end of this year.
