Premier’s pol-sec hits back at ‘over-simplistic’ comparison of Petros to Sarawak Cable

KUCHING (Dec 9): Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, has refuted an online analysis comparing the trajectory of Sarawak Cable Bhd to Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), calling the analogy “over-simplistic” and dismissive of the state’s professional capabilities.

He said the commentary, which cited “analyst estimations,” appeared to portray Sarawakians as lacking competence, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

“The claim that Sarawak Cable’s experience is an analogue for Petros’ failure is inaccurate. Sarawak Cable operated in an entirely different sector – cables, manufacturing and infrastructure – whereas Petros is in oil and gas,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook account today.

However, Fazzrudin stressed that vigilance and accountability remain essential for any government-linked corporation, including Petros.

“It is important for Petros to continuously monitor its financial performance, governance outcomes, job creation, living-standard improvements and environmental sustainability. But these evaluations must be empirical and fair,” said the Tupong assemblyman

Citing the company’s audited achievements, Fazzrudin noted that Petros has grown rapidly to become Malaysia’s third-largest oil and gas producer, demonstrating that state stewardship over resources is not merely symbolic.

“In scale and contribution, Petros has shown that Sarawak is capable of managing its resources professionally,” he added.

He also pointed to Petros’ involvement in Sarawak’s green-economy transition, including the development of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub and its expansion into carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives.

In terms of public impact, Petros recently delivered piped natural gas to households in Sungai Plan, Bintulu, with supply expected to reach 3,500 homes.

“The global community is already recognising Sarawak’s green-economy shift led by the Premier, and Petros is a significant component of that success. This signals growing external trust in the strategy under the current leadership,” he said.

Fazzrudin also reiterated the implementation structure of the Miri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) project, which had previously been explained by Petros.

Its post-completion operations will be managed by a 100 per cent local workforce, he added.

“We are currently in Stage 2. The participation of Sarawakians across all phases shows that our professionals are more than capable. It is unfair to portray us as if we ‘don’t know anything’,” he said.

A quick check on the Miri CCGT suggested that it’s construction is expected to start in 2026 and commercial operations targeted for the end of 2027, aiming to supply 500MW of cleaner energy, featuring hydrogen-ready technology and significant local workforce involvement, with recent training milestones achieved by Petros and its partners.

Fazzrudin said that while he did not have full information on the Sarawak Cable project awarded in 2014, the state’s progress under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg since 2017 has been evident.

“Under YAB Abang Johari’s leadership, Sarawak has enjoyed unprecedented development, achievements and international recognition. This is the context that should guide any analysis,” he said.

Fazzrudin was countering a media portal’s analysis entitled, “Loss-making Sarawak Cable is warning to Sarawak Premier and can Petros survive on its own?”