KUCHING: Sarawak’s rights within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be safeguarded and respected.

Kota Sentosa Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap emphasised this effort following recent remarks by former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Harun regarding the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA).

“While it is true that Sarawak Members of Parliament debated and voted on the Bill at the time, it is important to emphasise several fundamental facts.

“No Act of Parliament can override or diminish constitutional safeguards, including those entrenched under the MA63, without the proper constitutional amendment procedures and the consent of Sarawak,” he stressed.

He noted that MA63 was not merely a political arrangement but an international treaty and constitutional foundation for the formation of Malaysia, in which among its safeguards were Sarawak’s rights over land and natural resources.

He further added that recent arrangements between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government recognise PETROS as the sole aggregator of gas in Sarawak.

“This acknowledges that Sarawak’s position under MA63 requires practical respect and not just historical reference to parliamentary debates,” he said.

Wilfred concluded that parliamentary records such as the Hansard are valued, the ultimate test remains the Constitution itself.

“In line with the spirit of the Rukun Negara, especially Keluhuran Perlembagaan, Sarawak’s rights under MA63 must be protected, respected, and upheld in both law and practice,” he stressed. -UKASnews