KUCHING: Sarawak remains steadfast in upholding its rights over the continental shelf within the state's territorial waters in accordance with the law as outlined under Article 47 of the Sarawak Constitution.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said Article 47 of the Sarawak Constitution stated that the state continues to maintain ownership of all its assets and natural resources as stipulated during the formation of Malaysia in 1963, including in Article 47(2) involving land rights.

"When we formed Malaysia in 1963, all wealth and assets were under the Queen (Elizabeth II) because at that time we were still a British colony, but when we were no longer a colony, those assets and authority were transferred to Sarawak, including land.

"If the land is under Sarawak's control, the land submerged in the sea is our land, so it means that the continental shelf is ours from a legal point of view.

“So, If you want to extract oil or gas from the state, 'merik salam dolok' (you must first extend your greetings), then you have to follow the law," he said.

He said this in his winding-up speech at the 16th General Assembly of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) which concluded on Sunday.

The PBB President stressed that all matters concerning Sarawak’s ownership rights under Malaysian law continue to be defended through negotiations with the Federal Government, led by Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari maintained that PBB must continue to pursue and defend Sarawak’s rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). -UKASnews