PETRONAS-PETROS: PM Anwar says commercial agreement details being prioritised

Anwar (third left) along with other dignitaries waving the Malaysian flags during Malaysia Day celebration at BCCK on Sept 16, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Sept 17: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given an assurance that there is no reason for the outstanding PETRONAS-PETROS matter to remain unresolved, saying the fundamental principles have already been finalised and negotiations are now focused on the remaining aspects of the commercial agreement.

Addressing the National-Level Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night, Anwar said the principles agreed between him and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had provided the basis for moving forward on the issue.

“I give this assurance, and with the agreement of our governments, there is no reason why this cannot be achieved,” he said.

Anwar said the negotiating committee had recognised both the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74) and Sarawak’s legislation, reflecting the need to protect Sarawak’s interests while maintaining the national role of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS).

“So we move forward on that basis and have decided that the commercial agreement between the two sides should be expedited and finalised,” he said.

Anwar said his approach was to defend PETRONAS at the national and international levels while simultaneously supporting the development of Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) as a company that could contribute to the country’s energy sector.

“When PETRONAS was established under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, we regarded it as a global giant representing the entire country.

“But over time, Sarawak’s capabilities have grown and its people have felt that they should have opportunities as well, leading to the establishment of PETROS,” he said.

He said the approach should not be framed as a choice between PETRONAS and PETROS, but as an effort to strengthen both within the broader interests of Malaysia.

“My position is to defend PETRONAS at the national and international levels, while at the same time jointly guiding and strengthening PETROS as our company together,” he said.

Anwar also expressed appreciation to the technical committee involved in the negotiations, particularly for the early resolution put forward.

The PETRONAS-PETROS issue is among the broader questions surrounding the implementation of MA63 and the respective roles and powers of the federal and Sarawak governments in the State’s energy sector.

Anwar said the same spirit of negotiation and cooperation should guide the resolution of complex matters between the federal government and Sarawak.

Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar officiated the celebration, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Minister of Communications Dato Seri Fahmi Fadzil. — DayakDaily