Perantis backs PRS Youth chief’s call for PDA 1974 to be debated in DUN

MIRI (Jan 24): The Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak (Perantis) has expressed full support for a proposal by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang to have the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) be formally debated in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

In a statement, Perantis hailed the proposal as being timely and necessary in addressing long-standing ambiguities over regulatory authority in the oil and gas sector, particularly regarding the division of powers between the federal government and the Sarawak government.

The association added that Sarawak had historically administered upstream petroleum activities under the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958, and PDA 1974 operated at the federal level – creating a dual regulatory framework that had been a source of dispute for more than five decades.

“The oil and gas industry remains the backbone of Sarawak’s economy and a major contributor to state revenue, making it appropriate for the matter to be debated openly by elected representatives in the state legislature.

“With Sarawak’s status as a founding partner of Malaysia reaffirmed through recent constitutional amendments, it is timely for outstanding issues relating to ownership and governance of oil and gas resources to be addressed in a comprehensive and transparent manner,” said Perantis.

The association added that debating the issue in the DUN would provide clarity not only on legal jurisdiction, but also on policy direction, including resources management, revenue distribution and long-term economic planning for the state.

Perantis also emphasised that oil and gas resources belonged to the people of Sarawak, and that their management must be guided by accountability, transparency and fairness, in line with the principles of good governance.

According to the association, any review of PDA 1974 should be aligned with the spirit and intent of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which underpins Sarawak’s rights within the Federation, including matters relating to natural resources.

It further said a full debate in the DUN would allow legal, economic and historical considerations to be examined collectively, providing a clearer pathway towards resolving federal-state tensions over the sector.

The statement was jointly signed by Perantis founder and advisor Wellie Henry Majang and its legal advisor Paul Raja.