MP: Crucial for Sarawakians to remain united amidst Petronas suit
MIRI: It is crucial for all Sarawakians, regardless of ideologies and background, to be united in fighting for Sarawak’s rights to its oil and gas resources.
In this regard, Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni said Sarawak needs all the help it can get from lawyers, professionals and those from homegrown political parties to counter the application filed by Petronas before the Federal Court to seek declaration on the Petroleum Development Act ( PDA) 1974 – the law applicable to the petroleum industry in Malaysia.
“I feel we should be united, regardless of which political parties we belong to, as this issue touches on the rights of Sarawak and Sarawakians, as stated in MA63 ( Malaysia Agreement 1963),” the parliamentarian told reporters when hosting a courtesy call by members of the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association ( NSJA) at his office in Piasau here yesterday. NSJA president Andy Jong led the delegates.
Lukanisman said as a young MP, he was using social media as a platform to gain feedback, input and comments from the public with regard to the Petronas suit.
According to him, many of them fully support the Sarawak government and are all out to defend Sarawak’s rights.
“I receive lots of ‘ likes’ and ‘shares’ for my postings.”
Lukanisman also stressed the importance for Sarawak to win this suit, adding that it was not about wanting to compete against other states or parties.
“We, Sarawakians, only want our rights to be returned and shared among ourselves.
“I hope all Sarawakians would support the Sarawak government and remain in solidarity, so that the court’s decision would favour Sarawak,” he added.
Moreover, Lukanisman expressed his hope for new Pakatan Harapan-led federal government to fulfil its election promise of giving 20 per cent oil and gas royalties to Sarawak.