Gas deal signals new era of Putrajaya-Sarawak cooperation, says political scientist
KUCHING (May 22): The agreement on Sarawak's gas distribution, reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is a step in the right direction to reform relations between Putrajaya and Sarawak, said political scientist Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan.
The Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow said the move reflects an effort to address and reform long-standing federal-regional issues, particularly those enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'The loss of many of Sarawak's rights to its wealth was not the making of Abang Johari, and neither did it happen during Anwar Ibrahim's watch as Prime Minister.
'However, that Abang Johari and Anwar Ibrahim can sit down and come to terms to resolve some of the federal-regional issues shows high wisdom on the part of both the Premier and the Prime Minister,' he told The Borneo Post .
Jayum was commenting on the joint declaration signed on Wednesday by Anwar and Abang Johari, which stated that all relevant federal and state laws governing gas distribution in Sarawak will coexist and be upheld by all parties involved.
Jayum, who is also an adjunct professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia Institute of Borneo Studies, said this cooperative approach should be emulated by leaders at all levels of government to build a united Malaysia beyond the scope of MA63.
The declaration also involved Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), with both entities affirming their roles under the agreement.
'Petronas will continue its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations entrusted to it under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and its regulations.
'All parties shall endeavor to continue working together to develop a framework that benefits the nation while taking into consideration Sarawak's aspirations,' it said.
The agreement also confirmed the appointment of Petros as the gas aggregator for Sarawak.
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