Abang Johari shows the ‘Doing Business in Sarawak’ book after its launching. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Dec 17): Sarawak’s stance on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and its rights over petroleum resources is firmly grounded in law and is not swayed by political instability at the federal level, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He dismissed claims that Sarawak was leveraging political uncertainties in Putrajaya to demand greater concessions, stressing that the state has consistently supported any prime minister capable of providing stable governance.
“For the past three prime ministers, we have supported any prime minister who can give a stable government.
“That has always been Sarawak’s position,” he said when responding to a question during a forum session at the Sarawak Budget Conference 2026 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Addressing MA63 and the Petronas–Petros matter, Abang Johari reiterated that the state is simply exercising its legally enshrined rights.
“When we talk about the Petronas-Petros issue, it is nothing more than what is written in the law and what is our right. That’s all,” he said, adding that Sarawak continues to work with both state and federal stakeholders in line with legal provisions.
He highlighted that MA63 is a formal agreement, registered with the United Nations, involving the federal government of Malaya, the British government, and the governments of Sabah and Sarawak.
“That right is part of the agreement that we have to execute. So I think actually, there is no controversy because everything is already there,” he said.
Abang Johari cited provisions under the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) and the Petroleum Mining Act 1963 to clarify Sarawak’s position, noting that while Petronas holds extensive powers, these are subject to legal exceptions.
Under Section 14 of the Petroleum Mining Act, he explained, permission is required to enter allotted land, meaning state government consent is necessary for activities on Sarawak land.
“This is federal law. It is what is written in the law, and I am simply executing the law,” he said.
He also referred to constitutional provisions placing mining matters under the federal list, subject to state rights, reinforcing the requirement for state approval.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s actions are not about asserting absolute authority, but about adherence to the rule of law.
“Sarawak is not asking for anything arbitrarily. We are acting according to the law.
“After all, the Rukun Negara emphasises the rule of law, and Sarawakians abide by the law,” he said.
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