KUCHING: The Federal Government will leave it to the courts to decide on Sarawak's legal petition regarding the validity and applicability of petroleum-related federal laws, says Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) said Putrajaya respected the Sarawak government's action to file the petition at the Federal Court.
"I don't want to comment too much. We respect it, let the court decide based on existing laws and facts," he told reporters after meeting federal department heads at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar here on Tuesday (Feb 24).
The state government filed the petition on Monday (Feb 23) seeking to determine the constitutional validity of the Petroleum Development Act 1974, Continental Shelf Act 1966 and Petroleum Mining Act 1966 and whether they continue to apply to Sarawak.
State Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the federal laws infringed on Sarawak's rights to offshore petroleum resources within its boundaries.
She said Sarawak was seeking the Federal Court's ruling on the matter to safeguard the state's rights and interests as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The ruling will also provide clarity on the regulatory framework for the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, she added.
In his speech earlier, Mustapha said the Sarawak government's petition was important to seek clarity on oil and gas issues in the state based on reasoning and facts.
"We need clarity because there are so many opinions and public perceptions on this issue.
"What is important is that we argue based on facts, remain moderate and seek common ground. We must respect differences in the spirit of moderation," he said.
Mustapha added that the struggle for state rights must be accompanied by nation building.
"I will not compromise in fighting for our rights, but we must remember that we also have a responsibility to build our nation," he said.
