Don't be hasty, debate Ambalat joint deal in Parliament first - PN

Perikatan Nasional has called for a debate in Parliament over Putrajaya’s plan with Indonesia to explore oil and gas in the disputed Ambalat block.

Its deputy chairperson Hamzah Zainudin warned the government against making such a rash decision, especially with the territorial dispute over the area.

"The sovereignty and interests of Malaysia, especially in a strategic maritime area like the Ambalat block, which is rich with oil and gas reserves, must be strongly defended.

"Making a joint development decision in haste, when Malaysia's maritime territory is being claimed by a foreign country, can put national interests at risk,” he said in a statement today.

Hamzah pointed out that the Ambalat joint-development plan also raises questions because it appears contrary to the answers that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had given in Parliament when asked about the Ambalat and the Sulawesi Treaty issue.

"Thus, PN demands (the government) table the details of this joint-development plan and documents on the Sulawesi Treaty in Parliament for a debate, because the rakyat deserves to know the truth about this issue," he stressed.

Last month, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia should proceed with joint development of the disputed oil-rich Ambalat area without waiting to resolve legal and regulatory issues.

"If we wait for everything to be finalised, it could take decades," Bernama reported Anwar saying, after talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Anwar's announcement had since attracted fierce criticisms, especially from Sabah leaders, who questioned him for making the decision without consulting the state.

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