Rafizi’s comments on boundaries alarm Sarawakians, says SUPP

August 15, 2024

Rafizi’s comments on boundaries alarm Sarawakians, says SUPP

PETALING JAYA: Economy minister Rafizi Ramli’s recent comments on the interpretation of federal and state boundaries in drafting the framework for the carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) industry have alarmed Sarawakians, says a state lawmaker.

In a statement issued today, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy secretary-general Lo Khere Chiang said Malaysia’s unity hinged on respect and adherence to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

The Borneo Post quoted him as saying: “Any attempt to undermine or reinterpret the boundaries established by MA63 is not just a political misstep — it’s a direct threat to the very fabric of our nation.

“MA63 is not a mere formality; it is the foundational agreement that brought Malaysia into existence.

“For the minister to issue a statement casting doubt on Sarawak’s established boundaries and suggesting (there were) ongoing disputes with federal authorities is nothing short of a betrayal of that sacred pact.”

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According to Lo, who is Batu Kitang assemblyman, Sarawak’s borders and continental shelf were defined under The Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order 1954. He said Putrajaya’s attempts to reinterpret these borders threaten the MA63 agreement.

Lo added that the Sarawak government had previously said all carbon storage projects within state boundaries must be regulated by state laws.

“We call on the economy minister to heed this warning — respect MA63 or face the very real possibility of eroding whatever is left of the unity of Malaysia.”

In a statement on Aug 7, Rafizi said the definition of the boundaries had been outlined in the Continental Shelf Act 1966, Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 and Territorial Sea Act 2012.

Rafizi also said the ministry took note of issues raised by Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg on the differences in interpretation of state boundaries by the state government and Putrajaya.

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Abang Johari had raised the issue at the National Energy Council on Aug 2, Rafizi said.

He added that Abang Johari had emphasised that any business in Sarawak, especially involving trade, must respect the rights of Sarawak.

“While the MA63 platform’s discussion on the differing interpretations of boundaries between the federal government and the Sarawak government is ongoing, the economy ministry will keep abreast of its progress to ensure that the CCUS legislation reflects the understanding reached,” Rafizi had said, referring to MA63.

It was reported last year that Abang Johari had said Sarawak owned the rights to CCUS in the state and its continental shelf following amendments to the Sarawak Land Code Rules 2022.

He told the state assembly that CCUS activity in Sarawak “is governed by our law”, according to the Dayak Daily.

In June, Sabah deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan said the CCUS bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, was not necessary for the two East Malaysian states as they had separate land and forestry laws.