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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak strengthens grip over O&G under GPS leadership
The establishment of Petros and its appointment as the sole aggregator of oil and gas further reinforces that Sarawak alone decides how its resources are managed. KUCHING (July 22): Sarawak, under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has successfully reclaimed sovereign control over its oil and gas resources. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said this was achieved through the enforcement of the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), which reaffirm the state's constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Sarawak has compelled the federal government and Petronas to acknowledge our right to impose the Petroleum Sales Tax, bringing back billions to the state instead of allowing our wealth to be siphoned off,' said Yap, who is Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa branch chairman. Wilfred Yap He added that the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and its appointment as the sole aggregator of oil and gas further reinforces that Sarawak alone decides how its resources are managed. 'This is not a concession from Putrajaya, but an inherent right that can no longer be denied.' Yap urged Sarawakians to take pride in GPS' efforts, especially in securing the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products and restoring full enforcement of the OMO, which places licensing and control of oil and gas development solely under Sarawak's jurisdiction. On May 21 this year, a joint declaration by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that while Petronas would continue its roles under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), Petros would be recognised as the gas aggregator for Sarawak. Federal and state laws governing gas distribution in Sarawak will coexist and be upheld by all involved. The declaration also emphasised that all parties will work together to finalise a framework that reflects Sarawak's aspirations and benefits the nation. In his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on May 26 this year, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said Petronas might apply for exemption from licensing requirements for activities or projects that would not conflict with Petros' role as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator. Such applications would be considered in accordance with the law, provided they do not involve the supply, sale, retail, or distribution of gas – sectors under Petros' jurisdiction. Julaihi stressed that all agreements involving the supply and sale of natural gas in Sarawak must align with Petros' role as outlined in the joint declaration. He also reminded that parties involved in gas distribution and supply must obtain a licence under Section 7 of the DGO 2016. Failure to comply constitutes an offence under Section 20 (criminal case) or Section 21A (civil claim) of the Ordinance, which carries penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. Dato JC Fong Sarawak State Legal Counsel Dato JC Fong said under the MA63, the Constitution of Malaysia was adopted with amendments to safeguard the rights and interests of Sabah and Sarawak. He explained that, following these amendments, the issuance of prospecting licences and mining leases falls under state jurisdiction as provided by Item 2(c) of the State List. Although the federal government holds authority over the development of minerals and oilfields, this is subject to state-issued leases under Item 2(c). 'There is no dispute that Sarawak has legislative and executive authority over gas distribution. Since the federal Gas Supply Act 1993 (GSA93) does not apply to Sarawak, and Sarawak is exempt from Sections 6(1) and (3) of the PDA, the only law governing gas supply in the state is the DGO,' he said. Fong added that Petronas must comply with the DGO and recognise Petros as the sole aggregator appointed under the Ordinance. Presently, 94 per cent of gas produced in Sarawak is exported – mainly to Japan and Korea in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – to boost their industries. However, Fong said this could not continue at the expense of Sarawak's long-term development. The state government has therefore developed a 'Sarawak Roadmap' to use its gas resources for economic development and green energy production. Dato Ahmad Ibrahim Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim said the appointment of Petros as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator marks a turning point in the state's long-standing efforts to reclaim its rights, but stressed that the journey began much earlier. 'Petros' role is crucial, but it is just one of many wins. This is no longer a 'David vs Goliath' battle – it is about constitutional justice, economic sovereignty, and securing Sarawak's energy future,' said Ahmad, who is vice-president of the Council of Malaysian Senators and a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member. He said Sarawak's achievements over the past decade reflect a multi-tiered success, encompassing legislation, litigation, institutional empowerment, and commercial breakthrough. While the aggregator role represents a major commercial milestone, Ahmad said it was made possible only through the state's solid legal foundation, strengthened over the years by consistent efforts from the Sarawak government. 'This success stands on the pillars of the Sarawak Land Code, DGO 2016, Article 95D of the Constitution, and the unwavering commitment of our state leadership,' he said. Ahmad also cited Article 95D, which provides for the exclusion of Sabah and Sarawak from the application of certain federal laws concerning land and local government. 'With Petros now controlling gas aggregation, Sarawak can secure its domestic gas supply, support industrial transformation via reliable energy pricing, develop new sectors such as hydrogen, ammonia, and clean energy, and reclaim economic value for its people,' he added. 'The Federal Constitution is clear – laws affecting our land and resources require our consent. We never gave that away. What we are seeing today is Sarawak enforcing its rightful place in the Federation. 'This is not just about oil and gas. This is about respecting the Federation as it was meant to be formed in 1963.' Sarawak significantly contributed to federal coffers through its rich oil and gas resources since 1976, with all natural gas converted to LNG for export to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan – earning substantial foreign exchange for the Malaysian government. The imposition of States Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products reflects the Sarawak government's fiduciary duty to secure a fairer share of these revenues for its people. At current production levels and global prices, Sarawak's oil and gas industry generates around RM40 billion annually. The SST is expected to yield additional RM3 billion additional revenues for the state. Gabungan Parti Sarawak lead oil and gas industry Petros sarawak day
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Yap proposes dedicated Judicial Appointments Commission for Borneo states
Photo for illustration purposes only. — Pexels photo KUCHING (July 15): Sabah and Sarawak should have their own dedicated Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) in the effort to strengthen judicial independence, suggested Wilfred Yap. In a statement, the Kota Sentosa assemblyman said as an advocate of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, he is compelled to express deep concern over issues surrounding the current JAC, 'particularly the glaring underrepresentation of Sabah and Sarawak in the appointment process of our nation's judiciary'. According to him, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), together with the 18-Point and 20-Point Agreements for Sarawak and Sabah respectively, underscore the fundamental principle that the Borneo states must retain a distinct and equal status within the Federation of Malaysia. He said this includes autonomy and meaningful participation in key institutions of governance, where the judiciary is no exception. 'Today, there is no Sabahan representation among the nine members of the JAC. This omission not only contravenes the spirit of partnership embedded in the MA63 but also risks eroding public confidence in the impartiality and inclusiveness of our justice system. 'Indeed, the Federal Constitution itself acknowledges Sabah and Sarawak's special position. Article 122B(3) of the Constitution clearly requires that, before the Prime Minister advises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the appointment of the Chief Judge of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak, the Prime Minister must consult the Chief Minister of the State concerned,' he pointed out. While this consultation is not binding, it is intended to ensure that the leadership of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak is not decided unilaterally by Putrajaya, he said. Yap stressed that this provision reflects the spirit of the MA63 and demonstrates that the constitution recognises the right of Sabah and Sarawak to have a voice in the administration of justice. 'At a time when public scrutiny of judicial independence is at its highest, these safeguards must be strengthened – not ignored or reduced to a mere formality. It is therefore critical that constitutional consultation requirements be given genuine effect, and further complemented by robust institutional reforms,' he said. He said urgent structural reforms are needed to safeguard the rights and dignity of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, firstly by establishing a respective independent JAC. Pursuant to the MA63 and the constitutional guarantees protecting the judicial institutions, Sabah and Sarawak should each have their own JAC empowered to identify and propose qualified candidates for appointment as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as other positions within the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak, he stated. He opined that this is essential to ensure that appointments are grounded in local context, professional merit, and the aspirations of local communities. Such a body would give meaningful effect to the consultative rights under Article 122B(3) and reinforce public confidence that the judiciary belongs to the people it serves, he said. He said there should also be a statutory quota for representation in Federal and Appellate Courts. He proposed that the number of judges from Sabah and Sarawak appointed to the Federal Court and Court of Appeal should be prescribed by law to reflect the equal constitutional standing of the Borneo States of Sabah and Sarawak. 'The current discretionary approach, where representation depends on executive appointments without clear statutory safeguards, is inadequate and incompatible with the letter and spirit of our founding agreements,' he argued. 'Moving forward, it is timely to consider how these consultative and appointment rights can be strengthened, including the establishment of JAC dedicated to Sabah and Sarawak, so that both Sabah and Sarawak can exercise greater ownership over judicial appointments and maintain public confidence in the administration of justice.' He claimed these measures would go far in restoring public confidence, upholding the constitutional balance, and affirming the promise that Malaysia belongs equally to all its component territories of Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak. 'I therefore urge the Federal Government, the Conference of Rulers, and all Members of Parliament to give these proposals their fullest consideration. The time has come to honour our historical commitments with genuine institutional empowerment,' Yap added. An excerpt purportedly from classified minutes of a JAC meeting in May was recently leaked on social media. It has prompted calls for an investigation into allegations of abuse of power and judicial interference as well as for reforms. Judicial Appointments Commission lead Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Jalan Kuching Ranger Depo drainage system to get RM300,000 upgrade
Yap (second right) hands over the LoA to the contractor's representative. KUCHING (July 11): The drainage system at Jalan Kuching Ranger Depo, Mile 7 here will get an RM300,000 upgrade. When handing over the letter of award (LoA) to the contractor today, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the upgrading comes under his 2023 Rural Transformation Project (RTP) allocation. It will involve constructing around 300 metres of reinforced concrete drains measuring 1.2 metres wide and between 1.2 and 1.5 metres deep. 'The drainage upgrade is urgently needed to address repeated flash flooding problems affecting the area in front of the Kota Sentosa Library, Tadika Dewan Perniagaan Batu Tujuh, and the Seventh Mile Community Association Hall. 'For years, heavy rainfall has caused overflows that disrupted daily activities, endangered road users, and created inconvenience for the public,' Yap said in a press statement following a site visit with Public Works Department (JKR) officers. He said the project is also necessary due to visible signs of soil erosion along the roadside, which could further undermine road stability and safety if not addressed. Construction work is scheduled to begin immediately and expected to be completed by the middle of November. According to Yap, the project will solve the Mile 7 area's long-standing drainage and flooding issues. 'This project is part of my ongoing commitment to listen to residents' complaints and act decisively to improve public safety and quality of life. I take every report from the community seriously and I will continue working closely with JKR, local leaders, and residents to ensure that infrastructure issues are properly addressed,' he said. He stressed the successful implementation of such projects reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government's focus on practical solutions rather than empty promises. 'As your representative, I will always be ready to hear your concerns and work together towards sustainable improvements in Kota Sentosa. I encourage all residents to continue engaging with my service centre so that no issue, big or small, goes unnoticed,' he added. drainage system Jalan Kuching Ranger Depo lead Mile 7 Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep identifies locations for street lighting under 2026 RTP
Yap marks a spot for new street lighting installation during his site visit. KUCHING (July 10): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap yesterday visited Jalan Sungai Tapang and Jalan Kampung Sungai Tapang to identify suitable locations for new street lighting installations under his 2026 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation, totalling RM200,000. Accompanied by community leaders and Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) officers, he symbolically marked a location with an 'X' to signify the project. 'The initiative aims to enhance road safety and deter crime, especially in poorly lit areas that pose risks to pedestrians, schoolchildren, and motorcyclists,' said Yap, who is also Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa Branch chairman, in a statement. Yap added that the process of identifying points for the lighting project involved close collaboration between community leaders and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) councillors. 'All project decisions must be based on real community needs and technical assessments to ensure effectiveness and long-term benefits,' he said, reaffirming his commitment to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the timely implementation of the lighting upgrades. He underscored that such efforts are part of his consistent effort to close infrastructure gaps and improve quality of life for all residents in Kota Sentosa. In another development, Yap also carried out a final inspection of resurfacing works at the 7th Mile Community Association Hall car park, a project funded under his 2025 RTP allocation. The inspection was aimed at ensuring that the work was completed according to standards. 'The upgraded parking area now provides safer and more comfortable access for residents attending funeral services at the hall, which is commonly used for last rites by families whose homes are unsuitable for such ceremonies,' Yap said. Kota Sentosa lead RTP street lights Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM1 mln Grand Arch to boost identity, economy of Kota Sentosa, says rep
Yap (right) in discussion with JKR officers on the Grand Arch project. KUCHING (July 4): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has held a discussion with officers from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to review and refine the proposed design of the Grand Arch, set to serve as the main gateway to the Batu Tujuh Commercial area. The RM1 million project, funded under the 2023 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), is aimed at enhancing the identity and economic vibrancy of the Kota Sentosa constituency. According to a statement, the Grand Arch is envisioned as an iconic landmark that will greet residents and visitors while reflecting the community's pride and heritage. Strategically located at the entrance to the busy commercial hub, the structure is expected to increase foot traffic, draw tourists, and spur local economic activity. 'A thoughtfully designed gateway does more than mark an entrance, it transforms perceptions, creates a sense of arrival, and showcases our cultural heritage and progress,' Yap said during the meeting. He said the project would place strong emphasis on safety, aesthetics, and long-term sustainability to ensure lasting value for the community. 'Since the start of my service, I have remained focused on implementing initiatives that uplift our community. 'This Grand Arch project is part of my broader efforts to make Kota Sentosa a model constituency that every resident can be proud of,' he said. Yap expressed confidence that once completed, the Grand Arch would stand as a lasting symbol of unity and progress, serving as both a point of pride for residents and an inspiration for future generations. Grand Arch Kota Sentosa RTP Wilfred Yap
