Kuching: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has urged the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) to acknowledge the historical origins of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) before accusing others of failing to defend the state’s rights.
In a statement, DAPSY Sarawak Treasurer Wong King Yii said recent remarks by SUPP representatives attacking the DAP and questioning the role of the opposition were “misleading and inaccurate.”
Wong pointed out that the PDA 1974, which transferred ownership and control of Malaysia’s petroleum resources to Petronas, was tabled in Parliament by a Federal Minister from Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak and passed with the full support of the BN-led government of the time – the political predecessor of today’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“To now accuse DAP of failing to defend Sarawak, while ignoring the fact that the PDA 1974 originated from leaders within their own coalition, is deeply ironic,” Wong said.
He added that before SUPP positions itself as the “defender” of Sarawak, it should first explain why its own political forebears handed over Sarawak’s petroleum rights to Kuala Lumpur.
“Today, when SUPP boasts about ‘regaining’ rights through agreements with Petronas, they are merely undoing the damage caused by their own political ancestors. That is not defending Sarawak – it is cleaning up their own mess,” Wong stated.
Wong also emphasised that genuine leadership requires honesty and consistency. “If SUPP leaders truly care about defending Sarawak’s oil and gas rights, they must admit that the erosion of these rights began under the same political coalition they were once part of,” he said.
He reiterated DAP Sarawak’s stance that a strong and credible opposition is vital for a healthy democracy.
“Without an effective opposition, there can be no meaningful check and balance, and those in power will remain unaccountable to the people,” Wong added.
Wong reaffirmed DAP Sarawak’s commitment to serving as the voice of accountability – speaking truth to power, ensuring transparency in the management of Sarawak’s wealth, and advocating policies that genuinely benefit all Sarawakians.
