(Sibu 20th) Sarawak DAP Political Education Director, Irene Mary Chang Oi Ling pointed out that the recent acknowledgment by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, of the validity of the 1974 Petroleum Development Act (PDA 1974) and stating that everything is as usual with Petronas, is likely to have dealt a fatal blow to Sarawak's efforts to regain control of its oil and gas resources.
"The negotiations to reclaim our oil and gas resources started with a promising outlook, but today it is acknowledged that the 1974 Petroleum Development Act still holds the highest authority over our oil resources. If ordinary Sarawakians in 1974 could claim ignorance of the Act passed by Parliament, we certainly cannot do so today as this issue is of paramount concern to every Sarawakian."
She stated that on January 7, 2025, an agreement was reached between the Sarawak Premier and the Prime Minister affirming Petronas' authority and assuring Sarawakians that this power-sharing arrangement would benefit Sarawak. However, the power-sharing arrangement between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad and Petronas remains ambiguous, potentially leading to conflicts of interest as Petronas continues to be granted decision-making power over all resources extracted. While this arrangement claims to balance national interests with Sarawak's aspirations, history shows Sarawak's resources are often exploited for Putrajaya's benefit. Even if the Premier and the Prime Minister agree to uphold their power-sharing arrangement, it seems merely a gentleman's agreement, not compelling future leaders and successors to adhere to the same commitments.
Furthermore, she also pointed out that the Premier's statement on requesting the federal government to provide offshore areas to meet Sarawak's gas supply target indicates a power imbalance, as Sarawak should not be required to obtain permission to explore and develop its natural resources. This confirms that Petronas has acquired ownership of our oil and gas resources through the 1974 Petroleum Development Act, and the latest agreement between the Premier and the Prime Minister explicitly acknowledges that ownership will continue to belong to Petronas.
She stated that while it is recognized that correcting the injustices caused to the people of Sarawak by the 1974 Petroleum Development Act and the 2012 Territorial Sea Act is a complex issue, the Premier's endorsement of the Petroleum Development Act's validity in today's political climate has diminished Sarawakian hopes and confidence, weakening our legal position to reclaim or at least negotiate better terms with Petronas and Putrajaya.
"While the Sarawak government affirms the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad as a gas aggregator as a positive move, Petronas' continued influence, lack of direct control over our offshore resources, and ongoing federal oversight clearly negate all of Sarawak's previous assertions of the Petroleum Development Act's illegitimacy."
She said that Sarawak should never have agreed to acknowledge the validity of the Petroleum Development Act, which grants Petronas indefinite ownership of oil and gas resources. Even if the current situation is favorable for the continued cooperation between Petronas and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad, Sarawak should instead renegotiate the terms to recognize Sarawak as the owner of the oil and gas resources extracted in Sarawak and, if absolutely necessary, allow Petronas to continue operations in Sarawak for a specified period.