KUCHING: The court decision involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) is deemed to be a commercial case between the two entities and does not affect the petition filed by the Sarawak Government at the Federal Court to seek legal clarity regarding state rights.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the public must be made aware that the court decision is a separate issue from the legal action taken by the Sarawak Government as both involve matters that are different in terms of scope and purpose.

According to her, the case between PETROS and PETRONAS is a commercial dispute that the two companies themselves brought to court, while Sarawak's petition aims to seek interpretation and legal certainty regarding jurisdiction between the state and the Federation.

“The PETROS and PETRONAS cases are commercial cases that they brought to court and the court’s decision is a decision that we as the people should respect.

“However, it has no relevance and does not affect the petition we filed at the Federal Court.

“Our petition is to seek clarity on the law that we have between the state and the Federation. So these two matters are different and it does not mean that the court’s decision in the commercial case will affect our petition,” she said.

She said this when met by the media during the Taman Sukma Hall Project Handover Ceremony here on Wednesday.

Datuk Sharifah Hasidah added that the Sarawak Government remains committed to continuing the ongoing legal process to ensure that the state’s rights can be clarified through the correct legal channels, avoiding confusion among the public on the issue.

“This is proven through the efforts and commitment of the State Government in fighting for the rights of the people of Sarawak through the MA63 Agreement,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Semariang Assemblywoman described the Taman Sukma Hall project worth RM4.9 million as one of the Projek Rakyat approved as a manifestation of the government's commitment in developing communities throughout Sarawak regardless of region.

According to her, the hall's facilities will benefit local residents by providing modern facilities that can be used for various community activities including community programmes, meetings and social activities.

"With this hall, it will make it easier for the Taman Sukma community to have another quality and modern facility that can be used for various community activities.

"This hall is also equipped with meeting rooms, general offices and toilet facilities for the persons with disabilities (PWD) to ensure user comfort," she added.

Also present were Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman and other guests. -UKASnews

Prepared By : Eisner Nala
Photo: Gabriel Rommy
Translator: Nerissa Sia