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KUCHING: The court challenge by the Sarawak Government to three federal laws in the apex court is a last resort, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak Chairman said the State Government continued to advocate fairness and meaningful partnership in the exploitation of Sarawak’s resources.

He added that his administration had no intention of being confrontational by filing the court action, but wanted to fight for the State’s rights over its oil and gas resources.

“It is not our intention to confront any party in this struggle and the involvement of the courts to determine our rights is a last resort,” he was quoted as saying.

Last month, the Sarawak Government filed a petition to challenge three federal laws and stated its intention to oppose a bid by Petronas to seek judicial clarity regarding the legislation governing its operations in the State.

The three laws are the Petroleum Development Act 1974, Continental Shelf Act 1966 and Petroleum Mining Act 1966.

The State Government contends that the federal laws affect Sarawak’s boundaries, which were established before Malaysia Day, as well as the State’s rights to petroleum resources located offshore within those boundaries.

Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the Federal Government respected the state administration’s decision to file the petition, and that Putrajaya would allow the court to decide on the matter.