Sarawak should build its own oil refineries, Batu Kitang rep proposes
By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 21: Sarawak should build its own oil refineries, like Singapore, says Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-SUPP).
Noting that Malaysia once imported billions in refined oil from Singapore—a country with no oil, Lo believed with its own refineries, Sarawak can reduce crude outflow, boost revenue, and create thousands of skilled jobs for Sarawakians.
He held that there is growing discontent over how the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA2012) were imposed—without consultation, consent, or fairness in Sarawak.
“For over 50 years, Sarawak has surrendered more than one trillion ringgit worth of oil and gas—while receiving disproportionately little in return. Some try to shift blame, saying Sarawakian MPs voted for these Acts. This is used to attack the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government. But Malaysia was under Emergency rule when PDA74 was passed.
“The Internal Security Act allowed detention without trial. The political climate was not one of open or fair negotiation. Many decisions were made under duress. Much was obscured from scrutiny. Many Sarawakians—including our representatives—were not fully aware of the implications.
“Can we truly say Sarawak gave its free and informed consent?” Lo questioned.
He said now that Sarawakians are better informed, they carry a solemn duty—not just to speak, but to ensure the truth is recorded before calling for the statement—PDA74 and TSA2012 were never tabled, debated, or passed in this August House, and to this day, they remain unendorsed. Their applications are unconstitutional, unjust, and incompatible with MA63 (the Malaysian Agreement).
To him, other oil-producing states may be subject to PDA74 but Sarawak is not merely another state as Sarawak formed Malaysia as an equal partner.
Without MA63, he said, there is no Malaysia. Sarawak’s rights are protected by the Federal Constitution, the Inter-governmental Commission Report, and MA63.
“I hope Malaya hasn’t forgotten—MA63 was carved into the Federal Constitution, effective February 11, 2022. No law passed unilaterally in Parliament can override those guarantees—not without this House’s consent. That consent was never given,” said Lo.
He said Malaya has gained far more economically from its association with Sarawak than Sarawak has from being in the Federation.
“Yet now we are told that defending our rights is dividing or unpatriotic. To the people of Sarawak, I say: your voices matter. Let Putrajaya know Sarawakians are awake, aware, and united.
“Let this August House send a clear message: We are not stirring emotions—we are standing for justice and future generations. Let the Hansard show that this House stood firm and defended Sarawak’s constitutional rights,” said Lo.— DayakDaily
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