In a statement, PKR’s Batu Lintang Assemblyman See Chee How said this in response to the issue of Petronas hiring non-Sarawakian workers over locals in its operations in the state.
He said with the erosion of state rights over the last 53 years, it seemed Sarawak was unable to protect and safeguard employment opportunities for Sarawakians.
He said Petronas’ impertinence in ignoring the rights and interests of Sarawakians, and Putrajaya’s shortchanging of Sarawak in annual federal allocations, would cease if all Sarawakians worked together to safeguard the state’s territorial boundary and natural resources.
“The State Government must quickly make its strong representation to the Federal Government to amend Section 3(3) and Section 4 of the Territorial Sea Act 2012,” he said, adding Chief Minister Adenan Satem had pledged this in the last Sarawak State Assembly.
According to Section 3(3) of the Act, a state’s area of jurisdiction would only cover an area not exceeding three nautical miles measured from the low water line.
Section 4 meanwhile, states that Putrajaya has absolute sovereignty over the waters and the subsoil therein.
An amendment of these provisions, he explained, would ensure Sarawak had full control over its resources.
See said, if necessary, the State Government should seek a judicial review against the provisions of the Act or the entire Act to declare it unconstitutional.
“Enough of the State Government taking the diplomatic approach to negotiate, it is time to take our rights seriously.
“Only then will the Federal Government give us the respect and come to negotiate with us on the State’s rights and interests, under the Malaysia Agreement, and expedite the process of devolution of powers to Sarawak and Sabah.”
Earlier this year, Adenan said Section 3(3) and Section 4 were unconstitutional and had been enacted without consulting the state.
He said that the State Government would request Putrajaya to amend the provisions of the Act.
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