KUCHING: Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, has strongly refuted remarks by Nik Azmi Nik Daud, who suggested that Sarawak should stop questioning the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and accept Petronas’s control over its oil and gas resources.
In a press statement, Lo described Nik Azmi’s assertions as “misleading, dismissive, and an insult to Sarawak’s rightful claim” over its natural resources. He argued that Sarawak’s ownership of its oil and gas was established long before Malaysia’s formation and remains protected under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Lo stressed that the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO58) remains in force and takes precedence over PDA74, reinforcing Sarawak’s autonomy. He pointed out that the 2022 constitutional amendments, which formally recognized MA63 in the Federal Constitution, further strengthened Sarawak’s position.
“These amendments—passed in Parliament with the leadership of His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar—clarified Sarawak and Sabah’s status within the Federation and reaffirmed Sarawak’s control over its oil and gas industry,” Lo stated.
He also refuted claims that PDA74 overrides Sarawak’s rights, pointing out that the act was never debated or approved by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), as required for any law affecting state rights.
Lo highlighted Sarawak’s proactive measures to reclaim its resources, including the establishment of Petros, the imposition of a state sales tax on petroleum products, and a commercial agreement with Petronas to secure a fairer share of the state’s wealth. He credited Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for asserting Sarawak’s constitutional rights while adopting a strategic approach to governance.
“Rather than engaging in a prolonged legal battle, Sarawak has chosen a pragmatic path—allowing PDA74 and OMO58 to coexist while firmly asserting its constitutional rights,” he explained.
He also dismissed federal claims that Sarawak’s control ends at three nautical miles, citing legal precedents that affirm Sarawak’s sovereignty over its continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles. He reiterated that the Territorial Sea Act 2012 does not affect Sarawak’s maritime boundaries.
Lo condemned decades of resource exploitation, stating that Sarawak had been forced to surrender 95 percent of its oil revenue while its people continued to lack proper infrastructure and basic services.
“This is not ‘sharing’—this is exploitation,” he said, adding that Sarawakians will no longer accept being sidelined.
Responding to Nik Azmi’s remarks that Sarawakians were “bickering” and had “half-baked minds,” Lo retorted: “Sarawakians are not misinformed—we know our history, our laws, and our rights far better than someone who speaks without understanding.”
He urged all Sarawakians to stand firm in defending their rights and ensuring their voices are heard.