by NURUL NAJMIN ABU BAKAR
PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leader Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal is calling for greater clarity on the ongoing discussions between the federal government and Sarawak regarding the roles of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).
The Machang MP said that the recent joint statement between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Seri Abang Johari Openg represents a positive step towards a more constructive and equitable dialogue.
However, the implementation of the agreement remains unclear, particularly on how the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) and the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) are expected to “co-exist”.
“What does it actually mean for the PDA and DGO to ‘co-exist’? If Petronas no longer needs to obtain a licence but must apply for an exemption, how will this be implemented in practice?
“Clarity on these matters is critical to ensure the arrangement is substantive and not merely symbolic,” he said in a statement.
The joint statement issued on May 21 noted the shared role of Petronas and Petros in Sarawak’s energy landscape.
Abang Johari said Petronas and its subsidiaries are no longer required to obtain operating licences from the Sarawak government to operate in the state.
He said while Petros is formally recognised as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak under the joint statement, the authority to issue operating licences remains with the state’s Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal stressed that while Sarawak’s aspiration for greater control over its natural resources is valid, Petronas continues to play a vital strategic and economic role for Malaysia.
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