‘Finger pointing’ shows state PH has no influence in Putrajaya – SUPP Batu Lintang

KUCHING: The ‘finger pointing’ by Pakatan Harapan ( PH) Sarawak leadership in responding to Petronas filing a suit against the Sarawak state government reflects their lack of influence in Putrajaya.

In highlighting this, Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) Batu Lintang branch publicity and information secretary Datuk John Lau questioned the need to resort to a court action when the federal government, which is now led by the PH coalition, can move a new bill or repeal an Act in Parliament.

“What’s even more appalling is the response from PH Sarawak leadership stating that the suit had presented the Sarawak government with an opportunity to prove its claim on the PDA,” he said in a statement issued yesterday, referring to the Petroleum Development Act 1974.

“Instead of rallying for the unity of the Sarawakian people against this suit, only finger pointing was done. It is obvious now that the PH Sarawak leadership may not have any influence in Putrajaya,” he pointed out.

The action taken by Petronas in less than a month after the 14th general election, Lau stressed, had offended every Sarawakian, particularly if the Petronas suit was filed with the blessings of the PH-led government.

“This act is contrary to Promise 41 of the Buku Harapan, which was the Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto - ‘Ensuring the Sabah economy and Sarawak is growing more rapidly for the prosperity of the people’s lives entirely’,” he said.

SUPP Batu Lintang, he added, was extremely concerned with the recent action taken by Petronas in filing the application before the Federal Court seeking for a declaration on the PDA.

“We hereby state our unequivocal support to the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and party president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing) in this suit with Petronas,” he emphasised.

“We believe that ultimately justice will prevail and Sarawak will regain her lost rights. We also call upon the state government to protect Sarawak by asserting full control over the oil and gas industry operating in Sarawak which is for the benefit of Sarawakians,” he added.

SUPP Batu Lintang branch also urged every Sarawakian to be united as one force and rally behind the state government in this time of need.

Lau emphasised that Petronas must recognise that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63) is an international agreement which must be respected.

“Now is the time for us to pursue our rights under MA63. If at any time those rights were taken away from us, now is the time for them to be returned and restored. We will not move forward if we continue to look backwards,” he added.