KOTA KINABALU: Kapayan assemblyman Dr Edwin Bosi is happy to note that Barisan Nasional component parties in Sabah are now coming out of their ‘coconut shell’ and publicly voicing matters and issues of importance to the country and the people.
“I would like to single out UPKO Youth especially for their call to Petronas to stay out of Sabah,” Dr Bosi said.
“I was informed by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, that the Sabah continental shelf is now back in Sabah’s hands, when replying to my written question during the Sabah Assembly sitting on July 14–16 2014,” he added.
According to Dr Bosi, the Chief Minister confirmed that pursuant to Article 150 (7) of the Federal Constitution, all amendments made to the Continental Shelf Act 1966 (Act 83) and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 (Act 95) will cease to have effect within six months of the lifting of the Emergency. The Proclamation of Emergency under Article 150 made on May 15 1969 has been lifted by Parliament and the House of Senate on November 24 2011 and December 20 2011 respectively.
In view of this (lifting of the Emergency) all laws that were enacted, the gazettes and agreements between Sabah and the Federal Government undertaken during the Emergency are annulled and no longer applicable to Sabah, and this includes The Continental Shelf Act 1966, the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 and the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 7 1969
The one important agreement that is also affected by the lifting of the Emergency is the Petronas Agreement signed on June 14, 1976.
“Essentially, this would mean that Petronas has no more rights to operate in Sabah. I therefore concur with UPKO Youth on Petronas,”he said.
“On the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750) which was passed by Parliament on June 22, 2012, does this Act allow Petronas to continue operating in Sabah waters?” he questioned.
It is also clearly stated under Article 2 of the Federal Constitution that any law altering the boundaries of the State shall not be passed without the consent of that State (as expressed by a law made by the Legislative of the State) and of the Conference of Rulers.
“I believe we are no more talking about the 5% or 20% oil royalty. The question is whether, after the lifting of the Emergency, the oil and gas now belong to Sabah. And whether Petronas is operating legally in Sabah?” he asked.
“These are pertinent questions that need attention to be addressed and answered by the government. My colleagues and I will certainly engage actively with the government on the issue of the oil and gas industry in the coming Sabah Assembly sitting,” Dr Bosi added.