SUPP branch backs Sarawak move on Petronas challenge

 Branch chairman Sim Kiang Chiok says the state government's cross-petition to the Federal Court reflects ‘overwhelming public sentiment’.

Stakan SUPP chairman Sim Kiang Chiok said Sarawak must use every legal and constitutional avenue available to safeguard its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Stakan branch of the Sarawak United People’s Party has thrown its support behind the Sarawak government’s decision to file a petition to the Federal Court in response to a challenge by Petronas over state laws governing the operations of the state-owned oil company Petros.

Stakan SUPP chairman Sim Kiang Chiok said the move reflects “overwhelming public sentiment” on the matter and is necessary to defend the state’s constitutional authority at the highest level.

“The people of Sarawak are intensely watching this case. Our resources and laws are not mere points of debate; they are the heritage of every Sarawakian,” he was quoted as saying by the Borneo Post.

Sim said Sarawak must use every legal and constitutional avenue available to safeguard its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

The Sarawak government petition arose over a challenge by Petronas to state laws, including the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016, which Sim said were the pillars of Sarawak’s economic autonomy.

On Monday, the Federal Court granted Petronas leave to pursue its challenge to the constitutionality of Sarawak ordinances governing oil and gas matters. The next day, the Sarawak government announced it was filing a cross-petition.

“By filing a cross-petition, the Sarawak government is ensuring that the Federal Court hears a balanced argument that respects Sarawak’s special status and our right to regulate our own land and resources,” he said.

Petronas contends that amendments to several ordinances passed by the Sarawak state assembly had violated provisions under the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. The company’s lawyer, Cyrus Das, argued that the amendments, which touched on treaties, trade, development of mineral resources, as well as production and distribution of power and energy, could only be passed by the Dewan Rakyat. - FMT