The gas aggregator issue and the continental shelf have been discussed in the past week. Judging from the winding-up speeches of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his ministers, it could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
The comments by Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim in the Sarawak Assembly have shed light on the perspectives of Sarawak’s leadership: “We must ensure that this matter does not lead to the downfall of the MADANI government.”
This message resonated throughout Putrajaya and likely raised alarm bells behind the scenes. Sarawak and its people are not known for power trips, which worries Malaya.
The question now is whether the partnership under this federal government can be salvaged or if it’s beyond repair.
Would GPS, with its 23 MPs, withdraw their support from the federal government and potentially trigger another political crisis?
People in Malaya have been trying to sweep things under the rug and have commissioned an article quoting Sarawak’s academicians to suggest that GPS won’t quit the federal government.
Whether these academicians genuinely believe that the GPS government lacks the tenacity to teach Putrajaya a lesson in respecting Sarawak’s rights is beyond me. However, what I do know is that news portals have a way of twisting words.
This has happened before, and I am certain it will happen again. They hope to use Sarawakian pundits to undermine Sarawak leaders in their decision-making, essentially calling their bluff.
While they are trying to push the narrative that GPS won’t withdraw, I say they can – and there’s nothing that Malaya can do about it.
To understand Sarawak’s political viewpoint, one must grasp the reasons behind its decision to join the federal government with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and other parties.
In Sarawak’s view, being in the federal government is a platform to ensure Sarawak’s interests are protected. They can leverage this platform to ensure continued development in Sarawak under federal oversight.
This was never a power play; positions in the federal government were never a priority, as some might think. Sarawak has positioned itself to be self-sufficient and no longer reliant on ‘KL’.
The desire for state empowerment, increased responsibilities, and the necessary funding to manage these responsibilities is to be restored to Sarawak.
Early in the formation of the unity government, an article was issued to allay fears of federal infringement on Sarawak rights, quoting the Premier’s senior aide Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
“At any time when Sarawak’s rights are challenged or its status questioned, and when the state is not given its due, GPS can withdraw its support for the unity federal government,” he said in a statement in Dec 2022, shortly after an MoU was signed by parties forming the unity government.
The key issue is Sarawak’s rights, which are of utmost importance to GPS. These rights are currently under dispute in the gas aggregator and continental shelf case, raising uncertainties about Sarawak’s standing.
Abang Johari, in his winding-up speech on Wednesday, stated that nobody is entitled to question Sarawak’s inalienable rights to the continental shelf within its boundaries. To do so would not only violate MA63 but also infringe on the state and federal constitutions.
“Sarawak remains resolute in defending its inalienable rights and ensuring compliance with its laws to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and resource control.”
Sarawak’s view is that its pre-Malaysia law, the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, is valid and continues to be in force, despite opinions from Malaya that the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 supersedes it.
Satok assemblyman and GPS chief whip Datuk Ibrahim Baki stressed in his speech last week that whoever operates in Sarawak must comply with all relevant state laws, such as the Oil Mining Ordinance and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016.
Ibrahim, a trained lawyer, emphasized that the Sarawak government’s right to ensure compliance with its laws should not be questioned by anyone.
“There must be no encroachment on Sarawak’s rights and legislative authorities, expressly enshrined in the federal constitution.”
This leads us to the dilemma of whether Putrajaya will take heed of these warnings and reminders from the Sarawak government.
To date, there has been no word or assurances from the federal government that it will not continue to infringe on Sarawak’s rights.
Instead, former Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim expressed shock at the Stakan rep’s strong criticism, but that’s all. There has been no word from the Cabinet that this matter will be resolved as soon as possible.
They have done nothing to address the public disenchantment from Sarawak despite several malicious articles being published from their side that actively undermine Sarawak’s rights.
Could it be that they don’t see the value in retaining GPS’ support in the formation of the federal government, let alone honouring the promises made in the documents for the formation of Malaysia where Sarawak is an equal partner?
The silence is deafening, and silence is acquiescence.
Their actions can be seen as aligning with special interest groups bent on undermining Sarawak’s rights, laws, and the safeguards accorded to us during Malaysia’s formation.
In terms of optics, they must – I repeat, – address this issue promptly because failing to do so could lead to secessionist dialogues and incite public unrest.
They say it will be different this time under this federal government, this administration, and this prime minister.
Unfortunately, it is beginning to look like the same old story. There is still time to change that, but time is running out.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
