Kota Kinabalu: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President Datuk Seri Jeffrey G. Kitingan called on Sabah to stand firmly behind Sarawak in seeking a Federal Court determination on the constitutional validity of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), the Continental Shelf Act 1966 (CSA66) and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 (PMA66).
He said the people of Sabah respect and support the bold move taken by the Sarawak Government to refer these laws to the Federal Court for a final decision.
Advertisement
Jeffrey said for many years Sabahans have questioned whether the Petroleum Development Act 1974 is constitutional.
Jeffrey said the law resulted in Sabah and Sarawak losing control of their oil and gas resources since 1976, with only five per cent royalty being returned to the states while the rest went to Petronas.
He stressed that Sabah’s legal position is the same as Sarawak’s. Sabah’s boundaries were extended to the continental shelf under the 1954 Order in Council and were recognised in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution before Malaysia Day in 1963.
Therefore, he said, Sabah’s oil and gas resources rightfully belong to Sabah.
Jeffrey argued that loss of oil and gas revenue over the decades had greatly affected Sabah’s development.
He pointed to poor roads, water supply issues, electricity problems and high poverty levels as signs that Sabah has not benefited fairly from its own natural wealth.
Jeffrey said it is time for the Sabah Government to draw a clear line and stop prioritising political interests over Sabah’s rights.
He also noted that the Kota Kinabalu High Court had ruled in October 2025 that Sabah is constitutionally entitled to 40 per cent of net revenues, yet stronger action is needed.
Jeffrey called on all Sabah leaders to unite and focus on what is best for the state, regardless of race, religion or political background, adding that the fight is not against the Federal Government, but defending Sabah’s constitutional rights under the MA63 and Federal Constitution.
“There is no reason to fear anyone,” he said, adding that the goal is simply to strengthen Sabah and secure a better future for the next generation.
