Sarawakians Reject Patronising Calls For Unity On O G Rights Demand Full Respect For Ma63

---

 
SARAWAKIANS have strongly opposed the recent call by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin who wanted Sarawak’s oil and gas (O&G) demands be handled through unity and fairness while stressing that “PETRONAS is meant for the country”.
This is because Sarawakians “have been economically shortchanged and politically marginalised” for the past 60 years under “a system that systematically drained our natural resources while giving us disproportionately little in return”, according to Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban.

“Let us be clear. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) guaranteed us autonomy, rights over natural resources and revenue entitlements many of which have been ignored, diluted or outright denied,” Jaban hit out in a media statement.
“Sarawak is not a mere component state – we’re a founding partner of Malaysia. Our rights under MA63 can’t be negotiated in the spirit of unity but to be respected as binding legal obligations.”
Moreover, Jaban claimed that national oil corporation PETRONAS does not own Sarawak’s O&G resources but instead “has been exploiting our resources for decades while our roads crumble, our schools rot, and our people struggle with basic amenities”.
“Ring hollow when they come from leaders who have failed, for years to acknowledge Sarawak’s legal rights, let alone support restitution,” justified Jaban.
“National cohesion cannot be built on the back of continued exploitation. Real unity only comes when all parties are treated with respect, equity and dignity.”
Peter John JabanOn this note, Jaban urged all federal leaders, including those in the opposition, to stop using unity rhetoric as a shield for federal overreach.
“Instead, we demand full return of O&G rights to Sarawak as per MA63 and an bring an end to exploitative arrangements that have robbed generations of Sarawakians of their rightful share,” asserted Jaban.
“What UNITY is he (Hamzah) talking about? Enough is enough. Sarawak has been so patient but patience is not submission.”
Added the rights activist: “We Sarawakians will not compromise on our rights, our resources or our future.” –  Focus Malaysia

---