Lo: Acknowledging PDA74 is not surrender, but strategic sovereignty
KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang has defended Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s views on the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74).
In a statement, Lo slammed Padungan assemblyman Chong Chien Jen for accusing the Premier of ‘recognising’ the PDA74.
“Our Premier acknowledges the existence of the PDA74, not to legitimise it, but to engage with the reality of its current enforcement in federal structures—contracts, ministries, agencies.
“This is not surrender, but a strategic statecraft. And it is done in the larger interest of ensuring Malaysia remains politically and socially stable while Sarawak reclaims what is rightfully hers,” he said.
He further said both the Premier and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have acknowledged that the PDA74 is flawed, adding that the Act was never tabled, debated, or approved by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN).
“It was imposed during an Emergency in 1974 without Sarawak’s consent—and by thunder, we hope it will never be endorsed in this August House,” he said.
Sarawak rights, he said, are rooted in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGC) and the Federal Constitution (FC).
“The PDA74 attempts to centralise what has never been federal: Sarawak’s land, seabed, and petroleum resources. It holds no lawful authority in Sarawak unless we, the rightful custodians, grant it. We have not, we will not and we will never grant it,” he said.
Lo then said Premier, in his wisdom, recognises that winning back Sarawak’s rights is not merely a legal battle but a political, economic, and social one.
“Our Premier’s engagement with federal leaders is not subservience – it is strategic sovereignty in motion.
“Through careful diplomacy and constitutional assertion, Sarawak has forced PETRONAS to sit at the table to recognise Sarawak’s laws like the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016.
“This is how Sarawak became the sole gas aggregator. This is not submission—it is a masterstroke. Our Premier is not playing checkers—he is playing chess. And Sarawak is winning, square by square,” he pointed out.
To Chong, Lo called upon the latter to stand united with Sarawak.
“To the Padungan MP: Stop playing the echo chamber for Malayan interests. Stand with Sarawak.
“Work with our Premier, not against him. It is time we act with one voice, one vision, and one purpose: Sarawak First. Sarawak Always,” said Lo.
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