“Political rhetoric leads only to confusion.”
Tariq Ramadan, Swiss Muslim academic, philosopher and writer
RECENT accusations by certain groups, notably ‘Anak-Anak Sarawak LAK-SA63’ and the Democratic Action Party (DAP), alleging that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government have betrayed Sarawak over the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and the ownership of Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, are nothing more than politically motivated distortions.
These claims are meant to mislead the people, incite anger, and weaken support for the GPS government ahead of the probable state elections next year.
It is both malicious and unfair to suggest that Abang Johari has “reduced Sarawak to a mere supplicant, begging for crumbs from PETRONAS”, or that he has derailed the struggle initiated by the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
While it is true that Adenan set the foundation for reclaiming Sarawak’s rights, it is Abang Johari who has taken this struggle to the next level, achieving far more tangible successes than any of his predecessors. Each leader has his own approach and strategies in advancing Sarawak’s interests, and comparing them in a manner that seeks to discredit Abang Johari’s administration is both unjust and misleading.
The critics, particularly DAP Sarawak, should answer a fundamental question: What have they done to advance Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)? When they were part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government, did they successfully return full autonomy over our natural resources? Did they secure more equitable financial allocations for Sarawak? Anyone? The answer is a resounding no.
In contrast, under the leadership of Abang Johari, Sarawak has achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of greater autonomy and economic self-sufficiency, like the state sales tax (SST) on petroleum products. No one can deny that it was the GPS government that fought for and successfully implemented the five per cent SST on petroleum products, ensuring billions in revenue for Sarawak.
And don’t forget the reclamation of federal assets. The GPS government fought for the return of critical assets such as the Bakun Dam and Bintulu Port, reinforcing Sarawak’s control over strategic economic infrastructures.
What about PETROS? Before PETROS was formed, Sarawak had no direct stake in its offshore oil and gas fields. Today, the state-controlled oil firm holds equity in five offshore blocks and generates RM4 billion in annual revenue, making it Malaysia’s third-largest oil and gas company.
The Premier has successfully fought for greater revenue-sharing, pushing for better financial arrangements through Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, leading to increased special grants and fiscal autonomy.
Are we having short memory? Remember the constitutional amendments? Under Abang Johari’s leadership, the Constitution was amended in line with MA63, legally reinforcing Sarawak’s rights and its status as an equal partner in Malaysia.
The Premier has also made strategic acquisitions with the state government taking bold steps in recently acquiring a Sarawak-owned airline and establishing a state bank and a television station, further strengthening economic independence.
And the latest? The government has secured at least 1.2 billion standard cubic feet per day of gas for domestic use, attracting more investors, supporting power generation and positioning Sarawak as ASEAN’s clean energy hub.
One of the core allegations against the GPS government is that it has “acknowledged and accepted” the PDA74, thereby surrendering Sarawak’s rights. This claim is a deliberate misrepresentation.
As Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali rightly pointed out: “Our stance has always been that both federal and state laws must be respected and must co-exist.
“The PDA 1974 and the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016) are both in force, but this does not mean, and we never say that the PDA 1974 is absolute. The PDA 1974, like any other laws, is still subject to the Federal Constitution.”
It is crucial to stress that the GPS government has never accepted the notion that PDA74 invalidates Sarawak’s rights under MA63. Instead, it has actively worked within legal frameworks to expand Sarawak’s control over its resources, including oil and gas.
Critics argue that PETROS is merely a front for continued subservience to PETRONAS. This argument is totally flawed.
PETROS is not just about oil and gas extraction; it plays a key role in Sarawak’s ambitious clean energy initiatives.
Through hydrogen production and renewable energy projects, PETROS is driving the state toward a future where Sarawak is not only energy self-sufficient but also a leader in sustainable energy solutions in the region.
The recent allegations and accusations are merely a political ploy by puppet masters in the lead-up to probable state elections.
The sudden surge of these allegations is no coincidence. With the state election looming in 2026, opposition parties are desperately seeking to paint a picture of betrayal. They aim to discredit Abang Johari’s administration, knowing full well that GPS has delivered results.
DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s accusations are not based on facts but on political expediency. Their goal is to derail GPS’ progress and manipulate public sentiment for electoral gains.
The Abang Johari-led GPS government has not only continued but significantly expanded the fight for Sarawak’s rights. The tangible results speak for themselves — greater financial autonomy, the return of strategic assets, and an empowered state energy sector. These are real achievements that benefit Sarawakians today and for generations to come.
The opposition can make baseless claims and peddle political rhetoric, but the fact remains that Sarawak is stronger today than ever before, and that is proof of the efficiency of Abang Johari’s GPS government.
Rather than falling for politically motivated accusations, Sarawakians should rally behind a government that has consistently delivered. The fight for Sarawak’s rights is far from over, but under Abang Johari’s leadership, it is moving forward — not backward!
And finally, my verdict? The truth is clear: Sarawak under GPS is stronger, more independent and better positioned for the future than ever before!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
