Anwar’s Madani govt will resolve Petronas’ issues with S’wak amicably, says PKR man

MIRI (Sept 10): The Madani government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is wise enough to resolve the issue between Petronas and Sarawak amicably as soon as possible, said Roland Engan.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak leadership council chairman said all parties should therefore let Petronas and the Sarawak government complete their ongoing negotiations.

He said this in response to reports that Petronas is considering legal action against Sarawak on the issue of oil and gas control within the state’s territorial sea area.

“Let all parties, ie Petronas and the Sarawak government, exhaust all the avenues of the negotiation process, and let the Unity Government facilitate the negotiating team members to ensure all credible historical facts and documentary documents be perused and discussed thoroughly by legal experts of both sides.

“At the end of the day, whatsoever the dispute, if any, should be resolved amicably so that Malaysians shall be taken care of based on the truth, justice, and mutual benefits of all regions in this beloved nation,” he said.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has downplayed reports that differences between Petronas and the Sarawak government will result in court litigation.

Yesterday, he said the Sarawak government’s subsidiary Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) is still in discussions with Petronas regarding the supervision of oil and gas (O&G) trading in the state.

Addressing reports that the discussions had hit an impasse, Abang Johari pointed out the deadline for the discussions between the two companies remains Oct 1.

“Petros will collaborate with Petronas in the development of both upstream and downstream activities. That’s why I say it (media) could be misinformed or wrong data or wrong input for the last two days,” he told reporters.

“There is no issue between us and Petronas.”