Unfair to blame past leaders, govt over issues related to PDA 1974 — PBB men
KUCHING: Blaming past leaders over the present issues regarding the Petroleum Development Act ( PDA) 1974 that are affecting Sarawak, is unfair, according to several Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) politicians.
In stating this, Tellian PBB Youth chief Councillor Johan Harris Sulaiman points out that one must consider the different situation back then.
However, he also believes that the Act needs to be reviewed to suit the current geopolitical situation.
“The action by Petronas in dragging Sarawak government to Federal Court over this matter is also something that can be described as ‘hostile’.
“Petronas has, no doubt, given much back to the country, but it is the time now for Sarawak to govern its own resources,” he said in a statement Tuesday.
For another PBB member Victor Ajet, it should be interesting to see how Pakatan Harapan ( PH) MPs and assemblymen in Sarawak would react to this, adding that they are bound to heed the directives from the current ruling coalition based in Peninsular Malaysia.
“I personally feel sad that Petronas has ditched the negotiation by opting to drag the Sarawak government to court over this matter,” he said.
Nevertheless, Victor called upon fellow Sarawakians to be side by side with the Sarawak government in the quest to fight for Sarawak’s rights.
“The Sarawak government even went to the extent of going to London to fight for this – yet, some Sarawakians are too politicallyminded in seeing everything and thus, they blame the ( Sarawak) government for this situation.”
Meanwhile in Miri, Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni said judging from postings by a number of Sarawakians on social media platforms like Facebook, there were divided opinions – partly influenced by political sentiments emerging from PH’s win in the 14th general election almost a month ago.
“Some tend to blame past leaders who were involved in PDA 1974, but now is not the time to play the blaming game,” said the parliamentarian, who is also a PBB Youth executive committee member, when contacted yesterday.
In this respect, Lukanisman called upon fellow Sarawakians – regardless of race, religion, social background and political affiliation – to remain in solidarity.
“The Sarawak government and its legal team will face this matter in court, as this involves our sovereign rights and our future,” he stressed.
On the Act, Lukanisman pointed out that there might be many different factors influencing the decision by Sarawak leaders back in 1974.
“Nevertheless, the Sarawak government has continuously been holding open and closed door discussions with the federal government.
“We must control our emotions for now and strive to ensure that the situation would come with the best solution for us Sarawakians,” he added.