SIBU, Sept 8 — Senator Robert Lau has stressed that Sarawak has every right to own its resources in refuting misleading articles on Sarawak’s quest for autonomy and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

In a statement yesterday, he expressed concern over articles, particularly in alternative media, that misinterpreted Sarawak’s pursuit of its rights.

"The public must not be misled by these articles; therefore I am writing this to set the record straight.

"Sarawak existed for more than a century prior to the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.

"Shell was already active in Sarawak around the turn of the century, and ‘she’ was able to run her own oil and gas business, albeit from a low starting point because major finds were not made until after Malaysia was formed,” he said.

Lau further explained that with the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, power was transferred to and concentrated at the Federal government, particularly in education and healthcare sectors.

"We can see the lack of investments in these two critical areas in Sarawak. We have dilapidated schools and hospitals, with the vast majority of the equipment already categorised as beyond economic repair,” he said.

Lau added that one of the key promises during Malaysia’s formation was the rapid development of Sarawak. However, the discovery of substantial oil and gas off Sarawak’s coast instantly drew the attention of the Federal government.

"With Malaya’s economy struggling due to declining tin and rubber prices, Sarawak’s oil and gas were seen as the ‘saviour’,” he said, suggesting that efforts were made to federalise these natural resources.

"Firstly, these are Sarawak assets, which she maintained until Petronas was established.

"However, the promise of progress under Malaysia’s new government was never realised.

"For most of the past 60 years, Sarawak has consistently ranked among Malaysia’s poorest states, even though its economy has grown dramatically over the past decade, with revenue and budget tripling.”

Lau noted that the struggle for ownership of Sarawak’s carbon treasure has finally reached a climax, with Sarawak establishing its own oil and gas company, Petros, as the sole aggregator.

Adding on, he observed that the showdown between Petros and Petronas has raised concerns, particularly in Malaysia, with news articles depicting the grave ramifications for the country if Sarawak prevails.

"Having read some of them, the condescending tone used to look down upon Sarawak’s ability to manage these resources perturbed me,” he said.

Lau particularly argued that Petronas’ success as a top 500 Forbes biggest company justifies Federal control of Sarawak’s wealth.

"With more than half a trillion of natural resources endowed to a company, it doesn’t take a Herculean effort,” he remarked.

Lau emphasised that the wealth taken from Sarawak has not been matched by corresponding infrastructure or economic development in the region.

"Sarawak has the talent to manage and develop her resources. A developed and successful Sarawak is good for the whole country.

"Sarawak is not asking for more than what is rightly hers. MA63 has to be honoured,” he reiterated. — The Borneo Post