KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has been urged to take proactive steps over Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) application to the Federal court in seeking for a declaration on their ownership rights of the oil resources in the country.
The national oil company had filed an application following a move by the state of Sarawak to take a more active interest in its local resources.
Liberal Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Teo Chee Kang said any ruling made by the Federal Court will surely have far reaching implications to Sabah as a state with the largest oil reserve in Malaysia.
In a statement, he cited the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750) which purportedly defines the boundary of the Sabah was passed without the consent of the state which must be expressed in the form of an enactment made in the State Legislative Assembly.
“This is a constitutional requirement that is provided under Article 2 of the Federal Constitution. Failure to obtain such prior consent would render the said Act void or not binding on Sabah.
“That being the case, our state will have territorial control over the continental shelf,” he added.
Teo added the issue was brought up and included in the Sabah State Rights Committee report which was extended to the previous Federal administration.
“Before the 14th general elections, Pakatan Harapan had promised the people of Sabah and Sarawak 20 per cent oil royalty in unequivocal term.
“Now that they have formed the Federal government and are part of the Sabah state government, they must honour it without delay.”