SARAWAK’S race-based, non-aligned political party Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) has vowed not to join Pakatan Harapan until Putrajaya returns all of the state’s rights spelt out in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

It’s president, Cobbold John, said the party would monitor and “voice out where necessary” promises on the devolution of power and return of eroded state rights by both the PH federal government and Barisan Nasional state government.

“PBDS shall hold on to the promises made not only by the Sarawak chief minister but the Sarawak cabinet and assemblymen to ensure that Sarawak has its rights returned as promised,” he said in response to national petroleum company Petronas filing an application in the Federal Court yesterday seeking the courts declaration that it is the exclusive owner of petroleum resources in Malaysia, including in Sarawak, under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA).

The hearing of the suit has been set for June 12 in Putrajaya.

Cobbold, who stood and lost in the 14th general election, however, said Petronas had no legitimate right over oil and gas resources in the state. – June 6, 2018.