Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) views with deep concern and disappointment the continued erosion of Sarawak’s rightful dominance over its oil and gas resources under the watch of the GPS government.

After years of loud slogans, “Sarawak First” rhetoric, and so-called win-win arrangements, the reality is now clear to the people of Sarawak: GPS has failed to secure true ownership and control of our oil and gas. Instead, PETRONAS — backed by the federal government — has now resorted to the courts, exposing how weak and uncertain Sarawak’s position has become.

This development has shaken public confidence.

If GPS’s strategy was truly strong, Sarawak would not be defending itself reactively while PETRONAS asserts dominance through federal law. The fact that the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74) continues to overshadow Sarawak’s rights proves one thing clearly: GPS has chosen compromise over courage, accommodation over confrontation, and political convenience over Sarawak’s sovereignty.

PBK stresses that incremental concessions are not the same as ownership. PBK also stresses that increased revenue is not the same as control and morever, negotiated “understanding” is not the same as legal supremacy.

The Sarawak people did not mandate GPS to manage Sarawak’s decline politely. They mandated leadership to restore Sarawak’s rights fully, as envisaged under MA63 and Sarawak’s pre-Malaysia status.

According to assessment by PBK in the past two years, GPS governemt is seen as weak by Sarawakians . GPS government is perceived by Sarawakians, generally, as afraid to challenge federal dominance and unwilling to confront PDA 74 head-on. It is perceived by growing numbers of Sarawakians that GPS government is incapable of delivering a decisive victory for Sarawak.

Confidence of Sarawakians on GPS government is slipping because to them, Sarawak’s future cannot be safeguarded by half-measures and closed-door negotiations.

Parti Bumi Kenyalang calls on the GPS government to act decisively and transparently by issuing a clear political ultimatum in Parliament to review, amend, replace, or repeal the Petroleum Development Act 1974 as it applies to Sarawak and by formally asserting Sarawak’s ownership rights, not merely regulatory participation. GPS Government must take a firm legal and constitutional stand, instead of leaving Sarawak’s fate to federal interpretation. The GPS government must report openly to the Sarawak people on what has been gained — and what has been surrendered. Now people are in the dark.

If GPS government is unwilling or unable to take these steps, then it must honestly admit its limitations to the people of Sarawak.

Public is informed that Parti Bumi Kenyalang stands firm in the belief that Sarawak’s oil and gas belong to Sarawak — not by concession, not by negotiation, but by right.

Sarawak deserves leadership with the political will, legal courage, and moral clarity to defend its resources without fear or favour.

PBK will continue to speak, act, and fight for a Sarawak that stands equal — not subordinate — in the Federation of Malaysia.

Sarawak is not asking for more.
Sarawak is demanding what is rightfully hers.

VOON LEE SHAN
President,
Parti Bumi Kenyalang
19 January, 2026