Federal Court’s decision a boost to Sarawak government, peoples’ solidarity — Lee

MIRI: The Federal Court ’ s decision is the first step for Sarawak to claim back all its rights which have been eroded and lost.

The court yesterday dismissed Petrol ia mN as io na lBhd ( Petronas) application for leave to commence proceedings against Sarawak state government.

After hearing arguments from both parties, Chief Judge of High Court of Malaya Tan Sri Wira Ahmad Maarop said he was satisfied that Sarawak legal counsel team has proven their case and awarded RM50,000 cost to Sarawak state government.

“This will be the first step and I think many others (matters) with regard to Sarawak’s rights will follow suit. Here I congratulate Sarawak legal team who have been putting a lot of work and efforts,” Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin commented.

Hoping that Petronas will comply with Sarawak government requirements, Lee was confident that this will boost both state government and the peoples’ unity and solidarity in fighting for Sarawak rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963( MA63).

“Sarawak government have done all the homework, they have sent a team to London to gather historical documents to back up the claim.

“All these are based on facts which cannot be denied. I hope all our people – Sarawakians will continue to support and work closely and to be united with Sarawak government to fight and gain back whatever rights that have been eroded or lost,” said Lee while calling on the people to be united for the well-being and the future of Sarawak.

Meanwhi le, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau described the victory as sweet and wants all Sarawakians to support and rally behind state leaders and government in defending our rights.

“Nobody can protect what is ours other than our own people. The formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak is to protect Sarawak from outsiders from exploring our wealth and rights,” he added.

“Let us trust our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government to chart the state’s development with knowledge that we can generate revenue from our oil and gas.”