Let the courts decide Petronas’ direction, says Abang Johari

KUCHING (Jan 13): It is appropriate for the courts to determine the regulatory direction of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) in the oil and gas sector, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He told reporters that Petronas’ move to seek regulatory clarity through the courts is a normal process.

Petronas may be seeking guidance from the judiciary, but regardless of the outcome, the move would not have a significant impact on Sarawak, he said when met after the conclusion of the Sarawak Premier’s Address ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

“At the end of the day, a solution must be found. What is important is clarity,” Abang Johari said.

“We are a country that upholds the rule of law, and we will follow the rule of law. The court will decide,” he added.

According to a Bernama report on Monday, Petronas filed a motion at the Federal Court in Putrajaya seeking clarity on the applicable regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak.

The respondents are the federal government and Sarawak government, the national oil and gas firm said in a statement.

The application seeks for determination by the apex court on the legal position applicable to Petronas’ operations in Sarawak to ensure that the company continues to operate in full compliance with the applicable laws and sound governance practices.

“It is not intended to challenge Sarawak’s development aspirations or hinder the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in the state’s energy sector.

“The decision follows constructive engagements since 2024 with Petros and both the federal and state governments through a series of dialogues and negotiations,” said Petronas.

Separately, a Court Notice of Hearing cited by The Borneo Post indicated that the continuation of a civil suit by Petros against Petronas involving a bank guarantee, before Kuching High Court Judge Dato Faridz Gohim Abdullah, has been rescheduled from Jan 30, 2026, to Feb 25, 2026.